If you are starting college and you think you want to study aviation and become a commercial pilot, that's great. However, there are some things that you have to know before you waste your time applying, and there are things that you want to be sure of before you get enrolled.
You will need to have high grades and test scores, meet physical requirements, and pass mental health screenings. Start checking to see if you meet these qualifications.
Look at Your Transcripts and Test Scores
If you already know that your GPA isn't going to meet the acceptance requirement for aviation school, take the time to get your grades up. You will have to start working for your degree until they let you into pilot school. This may mean waiting until the last semester of your senior year of high school, or starting your college courses with an undecided major so you can get a high GPA and then apply.
The requirements will be slightly different for some programs but are generally similar if you aren't taking the military route. The SAT or ACT may be able to help you, based on the school. See if improving these scores could get you in if you are currently on the border because of your grades.
Get Your Vitals and Physical and Mental Health Checked
There are health issues that could prevent you from becoming a commercial pilot. These are things like the following:
- Poor vision
- Epilepsy
- Certain heart conditions
- Mental health concerns
You need to make sure that you pass the mental and physical tests and meet the qualifications that are required before you spend your time and invest your money in aviation school.
Do a Lot of Shadowing
You want to know what you are getting into before you start your classes. Be sure that you know the responsibility of a career, the reality of what it is like to fly long hours, and what it is like when you have to land unexpectedly or when there is an issue on the plane. You want to know what the day to day is like, not just the salary and scenery.
If you think that becoming a commercial pilot and having a career in aviation is something that you want to do and could achieve, look at the different flight schools in your area. See if you meet the qualifications for that aviation program, and get started with your training so you can get closer to your career as a commercial pilot.
