Student Pilot Resources
pilot careers
The current outlook for aviation careers is strong. In the next few years, the demand for air travel is expected to grow and the demand for pilots will increase as senior pilots are required to retire at age 65. To meet this demand, the industry will require additional pilots at all levels of experience, Certified Flight Instructors up to Airline Transport Pilots at the major carriers. If you enjoy flying, travel, aircraft / systems, continuous learning and being part of a team, explore the opportunities below and decide if you want to start your aviation career path because now is a great time to start.
AVIATION CAREERS
Starting your aviation career path at First Team Pilot Training is a great first step towards becoming a Commercial Pilot. Whether you choose to become a full-time flight instructor or obtain your ATP Rating and fly for the airlines, you are starting at the right time. The demand for pilots will increase greatly over the next few years. To learn more about career opportunities, visit the Cleared to Dream site, sponsored by the Air Line Pilots Association.
Airline Pilot Central is another great resource to learn more about air carriers and industry news.
PILOT CAREER PATH
Once a pilot obtains their commercial certificate and ratings, the next step is to build flight experience by obtaining an entry-level job to gain the 1500 hours required to get an ATP certificate. Pilots often become Certified Flight Instructors to gain these hours and to minimize costs while perfecting their aviation, leadership and communication skills.
With about 1500 hours experience, Commercial Pilots can apply for a first officer job with a regional airline. Today, many regional airlines cover the cost of an ATP certificate.
Within 2 – 3 years, many first officers can upgrade to captain. And within 5 years, many have the hours and experience to apply at the major airlines where the pay and perks increase with seniority.
PILOT JOB OUTLOOK
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Most job opportunities will arise from the need to replace pilots who leave the occupation permanently over the projection period.
Due to prior hiring practices by the airlines, a large number of pilots, nearly 20,000 are due to retire in the next five years. This will create many openings with the major carriers which, in turn, will increase demand for pilots at the regional airlines. And regional airlines are where many young pilots start their careers.
PILOT SALARY
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the average annual airline pilot salary as of 2019 is $174,870.
Regional First Officers have a starting pilot salary of between $40k-$50k with Captains earning $60k-$80k minimum.
A charter pilot’s salary can rage anywhere from $60k-$200k.
Major airline and cargo pilot pay varies based on seniority and aircraft but can be anywhere from $65-$150k within the first 5 years and can increase to upwards of $300k.
finance your flight training
First Team Pilot Training has teamed up with the Meritize platform* to offer our student’s a unique financing option. Meritize works with students, educators, and employers to help people excel in skills-based careers.
We have partnered with the Meritize Platform to provide our students with financing options to fund your education.
Check your loan options in minutes without impacting your credit score at https://apply.meritize.com
Meritize Lending, LLC, NMLS ID 1661035 (NMLS Consumer Access https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/)
Meritize Financial, Inc. NMLS ID 1986399 (NMLS Consumer Access https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/)
Terms and Conditions apply. Meritize branded loan products are educational loans issued by Meritize Lending, LLC**. Meritize reserves the right to modify or discontinue products and benefits at any time without notice. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or hold an Employment Authorization Document and meet Meritize’s underwriting requirements. If approved for a loan the actual loan amount, term, payment, and APR amount of loan that a customer qualifies for may vary based on credit determination, state law and other factors. Meritize does not warrant or guarantee any claims made herein, including, but not limited to, gaining admission to a program, concerning the quality or financial strength of any educational institution, securing funding or obtaining employment. Our final loan offer may differ as a result of the school chosen and the associated cost of tuition. Not all schools are eligible for funding. Meritize does not offer educational loans in the following states: IN, ME, ND, NV, SD, VT, WI, WV, WY, PR. All rights reserved.
**For residents of SC, loan is made by Meritize Financial, Inc.
*Variable rates are subject to change.
Aviation Grants and Scholarships List
List of resources at the FAA website for aviation grants and scholarships
INSURANCE
Our aircraft are insured within our Flight School insurance policy. However, we recommend purchasing aircraft renter’s insurance which, at a low cost, provides peace of mind. For as low as $95 per year, you can purchase renter’s insurance with liability and property damage coverage.
AVEMCO Aircraft Renter's Insurance
AVEMCO Aircraft Owner Insurance
© 2021 First Team Pilot Training – All Rights Reserved.