Is it hard to get a job as a commercial airline pilot?


Is it hard to get a job as a commercial airline pilot? Challenging Career Path Most airlines require 1,500 hours of experience before even considering a candidate. This can take several years to obtain, depending on the type of job you get initially. There are ways to fast-track your career, however, and no airline has the exact same hiring standards or process.


What is the hardest part about being a commercial pilot?

Work Schedule. It's true that airline pilots are allowed several days off per month, but conversely, pilots may be asked to fly a plane for many long hours during their shift. Their unfixed work schedules can make their life hectic since their tasks can vary daily.


Which European country is best for pilot training?

The Netherlands: The Netherlands has several flight schools known for their professional training programs. The country's central location in Europe makes it accessible for students from different parts of the continent.


Is 28 too old to become a commercial pilot?

If you are under the age of 35, you will likely be able to become a professional aviator and progress to a substantial seniority level in the industry over your lifetime. You will more than likely never become the most senior pilot at your airline, but you will be able to become a senior captain.


What age are most commercial pilots?

Commercial Pilot age breakdown The average age of commercial pilots is 40+ years years old, representing 61% of the commercial pilot population.


Is being an airline pilot bad for your health?

Fatigue and poor work-life balance are common sources of psychological distress in airline pilots. Persistent disruption of circadian rhythms and stressful working conditions may also lead to clinically significant mood disorders, including major depression [14].


Is airline pilot still a good career?

Overall employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 16,800 openings for airline and commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the decade.


Is a career as an airline pilot worth it?

For starters, it's a career that offers great freedom and flexibility. Pilots can travel all around the world and experience different cultures, climates, and landscapes. It's also a very respected and rewarding profession, mainly due to the high level of responsibility and skill that comes with it.


Are pilots in demand Europe?

The region could face a shortage of 3,000 pilots by 2023 and 18,000 by 2032. Europe currently is in surplus and we expect it to remain so until the middle of the decade, but then forecast a shortage of 19,000 pilots by 2032, driven predominately by increased demand.


Is airline pilot a respected career?

I even here in North America and in Europe it's a very well-respected career. It's a well-paid career. Even more so as you accrue hours of flight experience. I think there's lots of benefits associated to it that I think the layman employee would not really have the options to do.


How old is too late to become a commercial pilot?

There is also no maximum age to earn or renew your commercial pilot license, although you will need a second class medical certificate. You can continue working as a commercial pilot as long as you meet the medical requirements and stay in good standing with the FAA.


Are commercial pilots wealthy?

In the May 2021 report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the range of salaries for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers from less than $100,110 a year, to the highest 10 percent earning more than $208,000.


Can you become a commercial pilot in 2 years?

The FAA requires 1,500 hours to fly as an airline pilot, which can be earned in two years.


Which type of pilot earns the most?

High Paying Pilot Jobs
  • Chief Pilot. Salary range: $84,500-$119,000 per year. ...
  • Private Pilot. Salary range: $83,500-$105,500 per year. ...
  • Helicopter Pilot. Salary range: $89,000-$104,000 per year. ...
  • Corporate Pilot. Salary range: $71,000-$100,000 per year. ...
  • Air Charter Pilot. ...
  • Airline Pilot. ...
  • Assistant Chief Pilot. ...
  • Commercial Pilot.


Do airline pilots have a future?

Job Outlook
Overall employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 18,100 openings for airline and commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the decade.


What disqualifies you from being an airline pilot?

These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.