Commercial Pilot Career
Pilots play an important role in passengers' safety as they drive them from one place to other safely.Some pilots also take tests of flight fires, new planes, do police work or rescue people injured in various accidents. It is the duty of a pilot to check whether their console is working properly, to check the weather forecast for safe drive, to ensure that the cargo or baggage is loaded carefully, to decide route for driving along with the height and speed to fly. A pilot should be able to land and takeoff carefully according to the altering timelines. Educational requirements to become a pilot in Missouri are as listed below -
Requirements: The age limit for obtaining a commercial pilot's license is 18 years and also one has to undergo physical exam which involves vision test, have logbook endorsements from an authorized instructor for the verification of level of experience and be able to reveal aeronautical knowledge. To learn the basics of flying, commercial pilots can undergo training as private pilot that includes knowledge from certified professional and solo flight practice. Prospective pilots can also learn about air traffic communications, airplane operations and maintenance and maneuvering. Some can go for recreational or private training courses as prerequisite training for commercial pilot training from some colleges that offer this course. To get licensed prospective commercial pilots must log on at least 250 hours of flying time completing required tasks with flying in variety of settings. They must also spend time as pilot-in-command and solo flying, complete instrumental training and fly a plane with designated gear. General requirements include completing specified number of takeoffs and landings as well as flying cross countries during day and night time. It is also essential to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) practical test administered by a registered official. In addition to this, they have to pass the written exam to display their knowledge of navigation, safety and regulations. As an additional certificate, applicant has to become licensed as an airline transport pilot to work with commercial airlines. But for this the age limit is 23 years, along with the passing of FAA exam and has an experience of around 1,500 hours of flight.
Payment: A commercial airline pilot has to complete approximately 75 hours a month but the pilots who don't work for airlines can have unusual work schedules. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' report May 2011, the average annual wages for commercial pilots is $76,050 which has shown a rise of 1.2% in USA. In Missouri, there are around 700 pilots working on average annual salary of around $81,550. The job rate as a commercial pilot is expected to increase by 2018, especially for the major airlines with lot of competitors. But opportunities are available with regional and low-fare airlines.
Very few colleges in Missouri provide the bachelor's for becoming a commercial pilot. Those are - Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Saint Louis and University of Central Missouri - Warrensburg.
Though the job opportunities for pilots are going to increase in Missouri in coming future, still pilots are going to face a tough competition to get a job.