Although it is easy to assume that being a pilot means working for an airline, corporate aviation also offers exciting careers for aviators. Corporate pilots have unique opportunities when it comes to their lifestyle, workplace, and travel destinations. Here is what you need to know about becoming a corporate pilot.

What Does a Corporate Pilot Do?

There are a few different types of employers that hire corporate pilots. Some nonaviation companies—such as Walmart and the Las Vegas Sands Corp.—have fleets of private jets. These companies hire pilots to fly their executives and employees for business purposes.

It is also possible to work for an individual or family that owns a private jet. Certain businesspeople, celebrities, and other individuals with significant wealth have their own aircraft and hire personal pilots to operate them.

Many corporate pilots work for charter companies that operate private aircraft. Individuals and companies who do not have their own aircraft but want to fly privately can hire these companies on an as-needed basis. Pilots working for these companies often have the opportunity to serve a variety of clients and fly to a diverse range of destinations. 

Corporate pilots fly many different types of aircraft, with the exact type depending on their employer. While some corporate pilots fly single-engine propeller aircraft, others fly heavy passenger aircraft in a business jet configuration.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Corporate Pilot? 

As is the case with any pilot career, the first step is obtaining a private pilot certificate.

This license will give you the basic skills to fly an airplane or helicopter and allow you to fly small aircraft recreationally. Minimum requirements for a private pilot certificate include being 17 years old and obtaining an FAA medical certificate.  

The next step is to earn a commercial pilot certificate. This is what gives you the ability to be paid as a pilot and allows you to start your aviation career.

Although you can land some corporate pilot jobs with only a commercial pilot certificate, employers will often require significant flight time before you are eligible—typically 1,500 hours. So you will need to build your hours before entering the corporate pilot world.

Luckily, there are many jobs available as a low-hour commercial pilot, including air tours, surveying, and instructing.

Some corporate pilot jobs will require you to have the top-tier pilot license, airline pilot transport certificate, or ATP certificate. Pilots must have a minimum of 1,500 flight hours to obtain this certification.

Each employer has its own requirements, but corporate first officer jobs will typically need 1,500 hours of flight time, a FAA first-class or second-class medical certificate, a valid passport and the legal authorization to work in the United States, and a Federal Communications Commission radio operator license. Captain jobs will require more flying experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a corporate pilot? 

The amount of time that it takes for you to complete your flight training depends on how often you fly. Once you have your commercial pilot certificate, you can hit the 1,500-hour threshold in as little as two years if you have a full-time flying job.

How much do corporate pilots make?

The salary of a corporate pilot can vary greatly depending on their work hours, aircraft type, geographic location, and employer. Given the current demand for pilots, salaries are fairly competitive with the airlines. New first officers can expect to make around $70,000 to $100,000 per year, while senior captains can have annual salaries of over $300,000.

How much does it cost to become a regional airline pilot?

If you are starting from no flying experience, getting a commercial pilot certificate in the United States will cost around $100,000. Once you have an entry-level pilot job, your costs will be offset by your pay, and your overall income and any debt will depend on your circumstances.

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Becoming a fighter pilot is a dream for many. Military flying has been around since the world wars, but as technology advanced—and media representation in movies such as Top Gun increased—the general public’s fascination with military pilots, especially fighter pilots, has only increased.

One of the most popular questions many have is how to become a military pilot in the first place. It is possible to become a pilot in nearly every branch: the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard. Each branch completes its own training, but there are common requirements that apply across the board to help applicants start their careers.

Most notably, a four-year degree is usually required to have a chance at becoming a military or fighter pilot. Some applicants complete this prerequisite by attending a university run by a military branch, such as the U.S. Military , Air Force, Naval, or Coast Guard academies. Still, others attend a traditional civilian university and complete additional requirements on campus.

In addition, pilot hopefuls must be officers. Besides attending one of the four military academies, applicants can complete training at the Officer Training School or, especially notable if they attend a four-year university, ROTC. ROTC programs for all branches exist at numerous universities across the country, providing access to practically any interested pilot.

Pilots must also meet a variety of physical criteria and fitness tests. The Air Force stipulates that height requirements vary based on the aircraft a pilot will operate, but fitness is still of paramount importance. Uncorrected 20/20 vision, or better, is critical, as is good heart health and acceptable hearing. Pilots must also be in good mental health so they can remain calm and focused even in the most stressful situations.

Finally, there are many demographic criteria that a prospective candidate must meet. Pilots need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at least 18 years old. Maximum ages vary by branch but are generally in the mid-30s.

All these requirements must be met before a pilot even gets in an aircraft. After becoming eligible, a pilot must complete a ground school course on aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and more. The military uses a series of basic trainer aircraft, many based on civilian aircraft models, to start their pilots’ training before moving them to advanced aircraft and, finally, the pilot’s permanent type.

Military pilots have a variety of roles and responsibilities. From refueling other aircraft and searching for threatening targets to providing aerial support to ground troops and even dogfighting, pilots are expected to carry out each mission with professionalism, expertise, and skill.

After settling into their new job, pilots have opportunities to be promoted or change types. These moves can often be competitive, and new positions are based on performance. However, military pilots are nothing if not motivated to meet each new challenge and opportunity head-on.

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The trials included demonstrating an increase in engine power and raising the main gearbox torque rating. The gearbox is responsible for lowering an engine’s high input speeds and transferring the appropriate torque to a helicopter’s rotors and some engine accessories.

“The testing ran to plan from day one, an astounding success for the teams in Colorado and Yeovil, and a phenomenal execution by all who made it happen,” said Kristian Daines, the AW101 Performance Improvement Program manager for Leonardo Helicopters’ U.K. division.

Leonardo said a cross-departmental team was able to complete a 21-day trial plan in the U.S. in just 16 days. The team of pilots and engineers did the tests to expand the high-altitude capabilities of the AW101 in Colorado at Buena Vista and Leadville, which sits nearly two miles above sea level (9,933 feet msl at the airport, KLXV). There, the team tested the helicopter’s high-altitude takeoff and landing performance envelope, including recovery techniques in case of an engine failure.

Additionally, Leonardo said the AW101 Performance Improvement Program allowed the team to raise the main gear box (MGB) torque rating to 117 percent. The test pilots and engineers had to demonstrate the expanded capabilities to members of the Italian Secretariat General of Defence and National Armaments Directorate.

• READ MORE: Best Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Colorado

To transport the helicopter to Colorado, Leonardo shipped it to Baltimore, Maryland, in parts, where its engineers put it together. Then, an aircrew that included test engineers and pilots flew the chopper 1,600 miles to Buena Vista.

“The aircraft’s inherent capability and equipment fit, coupled with superb work from the Field Service Representatives team (who put the helicopter together), meant the transit went exactly as planned,” said Nick Wharmby, test pilot at Leonardo Helicopters’ U.K. division.

Following the test, the manufacturer is shipping the helicopter, in parts, back to its facilities at Yeovil in the U.K. before delivering it to the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security, which has ordered 16 AW101 AWSAR helicopters.

According to Leonardo, the AW101 has a max gross weight of 34,390 pounds, and can transport up to 38 lightly equipped troops or 16 stretchers. In a different configuration, it can even carry quad bikes and tactical all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Each AW101 is powered by a GE CT7-8e turboshaft powerplant with full authority digital engine control (FADEC).

The post Leonardo Search and Rescue Helicopter Completes U.S. High Altitude Trials appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The options available to those who hold private pilot certificates are plentiful. You might not be able to make a living as a private pilot, but it enriches your life. It can also be a stepping stone to acquiring a job in the aviation sector. 

What Is a Private Pilot Certificate? 

A private pilot certificate is a type of pilot certificate that allows you to command an aircraft for private use. Because the training requirements are more intense than the sport or recreational license, you are also allowed to fly at night and at controlled airports. 

Furthermore, you can also earn additional endorsements on your private pilot certificate to fly different aircraft categories.

How Do You Get a Private Pilot Certificate? 

To get your private pilot certificate, you need to be at least 17 years old and capable of reading, speaking, and writing in English. Below we’ll go through the steps you need to take to obtain your private pilot certificate.

Step 1: Obtain a third-class medical certificate. You must meet basic medical requirements to fly. 

Step 2: Apply for an FAA student pilot certificate. You must first have earned either a student, sport, or recreational pilot certificate to be able to get your private pilot certificate.

Step 3: Start taking ground instruction and flight lessons. Ground instruction will cover the academics of flying, whereas flight lessons will cover the practical aspects.

Step 4: Pass a private pilot knowledge test. To be able to take the test, you will need to acquire an endorsement from your flight instructor.

Step 5: Pass the private pilot practical exam. The practical will start with an oral exam. Afterward, you will do your checkride. Finally, you will go on an exam flight with a designated pilot examiner and demonstrate that you can properly perform basic maneuvers and pilot the aircraft.

Things You Can Do With a Private Pilot Certificate 

Although you’re not allowed to pilot commercially, there’s still a lot you can do with your private pilot certificate. 

Take Others Flying 

After obtaining your private pilot certificate, you can share your love of flight with your friends and family. You are allowed to take passengers during your flights as long as you are not getting paid for it. 

However, you are allowed to split the bill of the flight costs, as long as you pay your share. Taking three passengers means you must provide 25% of the costs of the flight. Which planes you can fly and how many passengers you can bring depends on which ratings or endorsements you have on your certificate.

Become a Teacher 

With your private pilot certificate, you can share your love for flying by teaching it to others. After passing several written tests, you can acquire your ground instructor certificate, which allows you to teach ground school classes. 

The ground instructor certificate is beneficial if you intend to get your commercial pilot certificate since it will help reinforce your flying knowledge. 

Visit Other Countries 

With your private pilot certificate, you can even fly to other countries. Just make sure to read up on the rules and regulations of your preferred destination. 

Some places might require you to fly with an instructor, but there are many countries where you can rent a plane and start your flight. You can usually get helpful information from your rental place or the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA). 

Take a Business Trip 

Your private pilot certificate allows you to travel for work by plane. So instead of driving everywhere or spending a lot of time at the airport, you can hop into your own airplane and fly to your business destination.

Some, if not all, of the costs, are tax deductible as business travel expenses. Flying for business also keeps your flying skills up to date. 

Volunteer 

As a private pilot, you are not allowed to get paid for your services. But you are allowed to volunteer for disaster relief, search and rescue flights, and charity events. 

Many charity organizations utilize private pilots for fire-spotting, disaster observation, search and rescue, and the delivery of relief supplies such as blood or medication. Not only is this a unique opportunity to help out in the world, but these organizations will often pay for fuel and operating expenses. 

Tow a Glider 

After having logged at least 100 flight hours in the type of aircraft used for towing, you can obtain an endorsement to your private pilot certificate for towing gliders. Upon receiving the endorsement and completing three tow flights with a qualified instructor, you can earn money by towing gliders. Towing is one of the few job opportunities available to you as a private pilot.

Sell Airplanes 

Another one of the opportunities you have with a private pilot certificate is becoming an aircraft salesperson. Besides your private pilot certificate, all you need is 200 flight hours and a high school diploma.

As an aircraft salesperson, you are allowed to take passengers to demonstrate how the plane maneuvers and functions, but you still need to be a decent salesperson to close the sale. Being a good aircraft salesman can be profitable, as the commission on aircraft sales is high. 

Civil Air Patrol 

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the official auxiliary for the U.S. Air Force and a non-profit organization that performs flight missions for the benefit of local communities. In addition, they perform disaster relief and search and rescue flights. 

The Civil Air Patrol uses a ranking system where you start at the bottom and climb your way up as you gain more experience and responsibilities. You need to be at least 18 years old—unless joining the cadet program—to join the Civil Air Patrol. The cadet program is for youths from 12 to 18 years old. To fly with CAP, you need to have a private pilot certificate.

Aviation Festivals 

Having your private pilot certificate allows you to fly into Aviation Festivals held across the U.S. Hundreds of pilots gather at these festivals, and it’s a fantastic place to share experiences and stories. 

Aviation festivals usually also have all kinds of cool pilot gadgets you haven’t seen before. They even host aerobatics competitions and skills workshops. It is guaranteed to be a fun and educational experience, and you’ll meet other aviation enthusiasts too. 

Get Your Private Pilot’s Certificate Today

So even if you’re not contemplating becoming a pilot for a living, there are lots of things you can do with a private pilot certificate. 

You can serve humanity by signing up with non-profit organizations to help out in disaster areas. In addition, you can partake in aviation festivals. Finally, and most importantly, you can take to the skies whenever you want and bring your friends and family along for the ride.

You can learn more about the flying adventures you can experience with a private pilot certificate in FLYING magazine. Subscribe today.

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