How Do I Become a Jet Pilot?

Piloting a jet airplane can be an exciting, and fairly lucrative, career choice. Jet pilots are one area of the job market that is not likely to face job shortages as the world becomes a more global place. In order to become a jet pilot, an individual must complete extensive training, including many hours of flight training, and pass the required testing — both physical and psychological, in many cases. Often, training through the military is the easiest way to become a jet pilot.

Unlike many other professions, pilot training and regulation is fairly universal throughout the world. The very nature of flights, both commercial and passenger, make it necessary for the various nations of the world to cooperate with each other regarding rules and regulations relating to pilots and aircraft in general. As a result, the requirements to become a jet pilot in the United States are quite similar to the requirements in another jurisdiction.

Many pilot hopefuls choose to pursue the dream of flying by entering the military. Flight training in the private sector can be extremely expensive and may take considerably longer than the military. Traditionally, the military was the only true training ground for one who planned to become a jet pilot; however, in recent years, private flight schools have taken over training of future pilots to a small extent. The military, however, continues to be the preferred route for most future jet pilots as they will gain invaluable experience, more than enough flight hours, and receive a paycheck while training.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all pilots to be at least 18 years old, although airline pilots must be at least 23 years old. A basic pilot's license, which is the starting point for anyone who aspires to become a jet pilot, requires 250 hours of flight experience, as well as passage of the physical examination and eye examination. A future jet pilot must also be certified to fly by instruments, which requires an additional test as well as an additional 40 hours of instrument flight experience.

An airline pilot must first have a basic license and then qualify for a transport pilot's license. In addition, he or she must have at least 1,500 hours of flight experience. The required flight experience must include a cross country flight, instrument flying, and night flights. An additional written test is also required as is a psychological examination in most cases due to the stressful nature of the job.