My personal advice if you want to become an airline pilot. I love that there is such an interest in this profession! You will fall in love with Aviation.
First of all, step one! Use an online search tool and find the nearest aviation school in the area where you live. Normally every smaller airport have an Aero Club with a group of aviation enthusiasts, flying single engine airplanes such as a Cessna 172 or a Piper 28. Contact them and ask if you can come and visit. Sometimes they even have an “open day” where anyone can visit, ask questions and maybe even go for a test flight. If not ask if one of the pilots can take you for a half an hour flight. You know you are in love with aviation when you get home and never look at the sky the same way again!
Step two! Find a clinic where they do Medical class 1 examinations. Without a medical class 1 you can not fly commercially! I highly recommended you have this checked before you start applying for flight schools. You don´t want to go through all the hard tests and stress only to find out that you are not physically able to fly. (read about medical class 1 examination here)
Third step, you have to decide to do either an integrated or modular flight training. Integrated means that you do the full training integrated from PPL until frozen ATPL. Modular means that you do each course step by step, starting with PPL (Private Pilot License), ATPL theory (Airline Transport Pilot License), Multi engine, Instrument rating and CPL (Commercial Pilot License) and MCC (Multi Crew Cooperation) or in other order. You can decide your own tempo, which could suit someone who wants to work at the same time.
I did all my flight training in Sweden and I had to finance it myself. When I decided I wanted to become a pilot I worked hard to save up for my flight training, in addition I took a student loan and had support from my family. Hard work paid off and became reality, and I am very happy to be where I am today flying 737NG around Europe.
Many of you might be concerned that pilot will not be needed in the future, having airplanes that can basically fly themselves. Answer me this, would you go on board on one of them? Aircraft’s are still being delivered from Boeing, Airbus and other companies. The list is long for airliners waiting for aircraft deliveries, as long as aircraft’s are being delivered we are good to go, in my opinion. But that is my opinion and I can´t promise for how long pilots will be needed, the future is coming but it is not up to me to answer how fast.
Hope it helps! Happy flying!
Love Maria
#HappyLandings
@hell.flyer flying with you is always a pleasure!
Firstly congratulations. Am your biggest fan all the way from Tanzanian
To be a pilot is my dream.
I’ll follow your advice so to become 1 of the best pilots as you are
Hi
Where did you use to work before becoming airline pilot? Did you get a loan for aviation training?
Greeatings from EPBY 😉
Im an aspirant..to be a pilot is my kindergarten dream until now that Im 16, I love travelling, fascinated with aviation and aeronautics..coz of my dad who’s an aircraft mech. Well one of your biggest fan here 🙂 from PH with love
Thank you very much for give valuable information it’s will help me alot….myself I’m daya from India Nd I’m 18 years old I’ve one doubt can you plz clear it !?
My question is after completion of cpl license we can apply for airlines job or else atpl is must and should inorder to get an job? And for doing atpl license we should any flying school again?? And do we get any education loan for this pilot training course?
Author
Hi, you can fly commercially on a CPL but most (at least in Europe) airliners require you to have what is called a “frozen atpl” which basically means that you are flying on a CPL. When you have the hours required (1500) you can unfreeze your atpl. I still fly on a CPL but have the theory for my ATPL already done and can “unfreeze” it when it comes to my command 🙂 Why most companies require this is because when it gets to your command they don’t want to have to put you back in the class room to do you atpl theory but rather just do a check ride in the simulator to make sure you meet the flying requirements. It might work differently in different parts of the world. I can only speak for Easa requirements 🙂
Hey,
iam Brian Gita .student of electrical engineering at makerere university Uganda .
Have a strong passion for your proffession but i dint get the opportunity to train
.My question is how long does it take for one to train and fly a plane like yours??
Author
The initial training itself took me approximately 2 years. Then I waited 2 years before getting a job.
So you need a college degree related to aviation to be able to have the training? Or the training itself is fine?
Hey even I am an Indian and I am deciding to opt the profession of civil aviation pilot, and I need you guidance…😊😊😊😊
Thank you for answer, I thought you didn’t see my DM on Instagram.
I will become an A380’s pilot soon ;))
Have a nice time Maria.
From where u get training?
What is cost of training?
Hey!
Im Eduardo from Paraguay (South America). First of all, there is not many aviation schools here, so if you want to become an airline pilot, you must leave the country. You must know many aviation schools around the world, there is one that you could recommend me? Regards,
Author
I went to one called South Sweden School of Aeronautics in Sweden. They can even provide with accomodation during your training. The major schools here in Europe are CAE and Oxford aviation.
Eduardo, you can go to Brazil, there are a lot of flight schools, even in the state of Paraná, which is very close of your country. An example is the West Wings, located in Cascavel – PR, which is at just 100 km from the border with Paraguay.
Hey!
Right now I am a student of class 12 in India.
I wanted to ask like you are 737 pilot so after doing ATPL Theory you also did special course for a particular plane.. For eg. You are flying a 737 so you did an extra course for it or it was included in ATPL??
Author
Yes, for every new aircraft type you fly you will need to do a type rating specific on that type. It takes approximately 2 months.
Okay….
So that is included in MCC??
And is there certain age limit because I an planning to do it after my graduation..
At that time I will be 22 years old
Author
22 is a good age to graduate, you have plenty of time.
Author
Yes, with MCC. I was 24 when I started, I think 22 would be a perfect age to start! 🙂
Hello! I am currently in an accelerated program in the states. I just received my instrument rating and am planing to have all of my ratings by the beggining of September. In the states, the most abundent way to gain experience (and hours) after finishing school is to become a flight instructor. Most airlines in the US require 500-1500 hours before you fly for them. What did you do to gain hours right after school and are there different hours requirements in Europe?
Also, thanks for the fun Instagram account!
-Kimberlee
Author
Hi Kimberlee, in Europe we have a few airliners that will hire you with 200 hours. They see the benefits to be able to “form” their pilots with their SOP and procedures. Normally the type rating will be self sponsored. I am not sure what companies that are hiring right now as it comes and goes but I would recommend you have a look into and working permits I Europe. All the best and best of luck!
Author
Damn you autocorrect 😂😂 Sorry I should make it a habit to read through my answer before pressing send 😂😂
Hello maria im yr fan im from Hong Kong and I just have 14years old but I wanted to become a pilot already! I always look at yr post and I always imagine that one day I can become a pilot like u! I will work hard now for my future and I will read the books about airplanes and aviation when im free. I hope u will talk more about yr pilot life in the future 🙂
Author
Hi, so amazing to hear you already know you want to become a pilot, never stop dreaming never stop trying….see you in the right hand seat soon 🙂
From which flight school did you finish your training? And Did you finance it all by yourself or family helped you? One more query is that you might not have studied after 12th qnd where did you work with such less qualifications?
Hi! How long did it take for you to fly for the first time?
Author
We started flying already 2nd week in flight school, we combined theory with flying.
Author
We started flying already I think it was third week in to flight training program.
Hi, I just started following today at instagram and I’m happy to meet someone who worked hard to make her dreams come true I’m living in Spain and I would like to ask you: I want to work for Lufthansa what so you think, it’s better to take the ATPL course in a academy or should I study directly with Lufthansa ???.. thanks for your time and fly safe to home 😉
Author
I guess if you get the chance to join Lufthansa training program I would take it, might save you 💲💲 and give you a chance to join the airline. I have no experience with Lufthansa at all so this is just me guessing.
Author
And welcome to the community 😊😊
Author
Actually I have no idea how Lufthansas program work unfortunately, I would recommend you to contact them directly.
Author
I would apply for Lufthansa school and if denied apply to private schools to take your licence. I am not sure about Lufthansa hiring situation so would suggest you to contact then direct and see what their hiring plan looks like 😊😊
Is there any age limit?? For the training programme
Author
No, as long as you have your medical class 1 that can be age limited, don´t remember the age exactly but your medical centre should be able to answer you that 🙂
Author
In Europe it’s 16 to get your ppl 🙂
Is there any age limit?? For the training programme
Hi Maria, I’m currently in the early hours of my PPL after years of saving, but affording the rest would require a lottery win! It costs around £100k over here in England to complete your PPL, ATPL, MCC, multi-engine and IR. Do you have any advice on how to earn and save effectively that’ll get me to my goal?
Hey Maria
Is there a specific height to be a pilot?
Author
Not that I’m aware of, as long gone as you can sit in the seat, see out and reach the rudder pedals I guess 😊😊
Author
No that I am aware of 🙂
Author
No that I am aware of 🙂
You have a lovley view every day from your officewindows ☺️
Hey Maria! How are you?
I’ve probably asked this quite a few times but my comment always disappears, so anyway I just want to ask that can I do PPL at the age of 18, I mean like straight after school or do I have to do the graduation first? And also that I’m a very average student so would I be able to do the whole thing that you did?
Thank you so much and sorry for pestering you again!
Author
Hi, I tool my ppl when I was 25. Looking back at it I wish I would have started a few years earlier, but I don’t regret anything I did before, I traveled a lot and saw the world. All knowledge is good knowledge but you don’t need a degree to apply for aviation school. In Sweden we go to school for 13 years (almost everybody) so that’s what I had in hand when started aviation school, I also had two years University but that was a completely different subject so it didn’t help me much. Hope it helps 😊😊
Author
If i remember correct the age limit for a ppl is 16 so you should be fine 🙂
Hey Maria i’m from Mexico since i was 12 i knew that i wanted to be a pilot,like i see a plane and no words can describe the feeling inside of me i’m in high school right now so i have a lot to learn yet and i hope i can become a pilot like you so i have a question: What are the most principal aspects you need to have? The school you went provide you a scolarship?
Are you married? 🙂
Hi Maria!
It was great reading your story. I am 21 and currently doing my CPL from India. Are there any job opportunities for indian CPL holders with multi engine rating in Europe? And what subjects had you taken up for your university course?
Hi Maria!
It was great reading your story! I am 21 and currently doing my CPL training from India. Are there any job opportunities for Indian CPL holders with multi engine rating in Europe? Also which subjects had you taken up in university?
I am Andre from USA. Did you went to college or just to a flight school I heard tha some airlines would rather hire someone with a college degree.
Hi, I am Aakarshan from India, I will be joining Cloud Dancer Aviation in Deland, Florida for my CPL training in September so what will you suggest me to do after my CPL should I build my hours or just take a job, can I get a job after a flight experience of 253 hours from school or I will have to do ATPL and then take a job.
Thanks and regards.
everytime I take an airplane it’s the same story: I’m always afraid that the plane will crash down. So, for me, it’s incredible that exists people who wants to became a pilot : ))). Any suggestion for my fear?
Maria, in the first photo is that Mentour Pilot (on Youtube) in the left seat? As I think I heard he’s a RYR pilot as well.
Hi Maria,
I would loved be a pilot some day but I not sure if I’m tall enough…. Do you know what’s the minimum height to be a pilot??
Love your blog
Hi Maria, my name is Ellis and I’m fifteen. I live in Scotland and I am just about to start my national exams (standard grade). I was wondering if you had any flying experience before you did your qualifications to become a pilot and if so, what sort of thing? I have been looking a bit but can’t seem to find that much in my area. I was also wondering what subjects you took at school? Currently I am taking all three sciences (biology, chemistry and physics), maths, English, French and German at standard grade and I was just wondering what sort of subjects I should be taking to pursue my dream. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I think you are really inspirational and I love your Instagram feed!! Thank you so much,
Ellis Grandison
Hey Maria,
Am an Instagram follower of urs and i just loved the way u took up job and became famous on social media, spreading the joy of being an airline pilot. Offcourse am an aspiring pilot and i have few questions wandering on my mind always.
The biggest question being…. what’s ur schedule like? I mean do airline pilots get to choose their own working days and holidays, or is it the the airline they’re working for decides everything? If u can share ur own schedule it would be great. Atleast i can get a basic idea… 🙂
Hoping for a reply.. many more questions might be coming up. Chow!!!
Happy flying.. 🙂
I need guidance on how can I become a pilot? What should I study?
becoming a pilot basically requires two subjects :
1. maths
2. physics
nice sharing, my blog is about pilot online
Is Ryanair the only Place currently hiring new cadets? Not the Place i Want to work, to be honest.
Hi,
I’m from the US, and over here you can get a scholarship to the air force academy to do your flight training (I think).
Hi Pilot Maria!
My names Jasman and I’m 14 year olds from Canada. I’ve wanted to become an airline pilot since I was 10 years old. I realized I wanted to fly when my dad took me and family to this airline show. There we got to go for a ride on a few planes. I felt so happy and so amazed at everything that was happening in those 15 minutes. It was in that moment where I realized this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. You’ve inspired me so much to become an airline pilot. My father is my biggest support from my family. When I said that was what I wanted to become he gave me the biggest hug ever and told me that no matter what happens in my journey to become an airline pilot, he will support me and be there for me. I will work so hard to become an airline pilot and make myself and my father proud. Someday, I hope I’ll be able to personally thank you so being such a big inspiration in my life. Thank you:)
Hi Maria,
My name is Ellis and I live in Scotland. I am currently 15 and my dream is to become a pilot. I was wondering if there was any specific flight experience (when you were young) you had before becoming a pilot and also what subjects you took in school to help with the flight training? I live your blog and Instagram feed and I think you are such an inspiration!!
Hello, this is Camilo from San Diego and congrats on your achievements.
Question 1 : As an European Citizen, do airlines have preferences over the candidate’s Country of origin? Like for example, would you have the same qualifications and comply with all requirements for British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa or Alitalia? Or would you need to speak German to work in Lufthansa?
Question 2 : What kind of job did you have that allowed you to finance your schooling ? (I hope you don’t mind the question)
Thank you !
Hey,
I am currently studying full time at university and doing my PPL part time. I really want to start my ATPL, however my parents believe it is important to get a university degree first. I wanted to know if you went to university before starting your flight training? Also, is it more positive (in terms of employment) if a pilot has a degree?
Thank you,
Jess
Your argument against pilotless airliners is pretty weak. The technology is already being heavily tested and will surely be rolled out in the coming years. Uber, Apple, Google, Tesla all have driverless cars or advanced autopilots in the pipeline, and the operation of an airliner empty space is much simpler than an automobile on the road. With swaths of low-ability pilots being quickly trained and sent to airlines in places like China and India, automation will have to increase as the pilots flying the plane will no longer have the ability to fly or make decisions. Pilotless or at least heavily automated will be the safer option. And what will being an “airline pilot” mean then? Probably something similar to what a train operator does today. Is that a job you want your young followers to have (while saddled with debt), when they have an opportunity to pursue STEM degrees or other gainful employment? I certainly wouldn’t want to do that, and frequently consider leaving airline flying because it’s already boring and easy. These people could have 40 year careers ahead of them. At least be realistic about the job.
Author
Hi 🙂 I am fully aware that the technology is leading towards a pilotless flightdeck. But as long as Boeing, Airbus and other manufacturers keep rolling out new aircraft and have more on order we need someone to fly them. I would never deny what the future is going towards but I think, and this is me speculating no facts, just my words: That someone who’s flying today can enjoy their job in the skies till retirement. It’s just my thoughts 🙂 I am not sponsored by any flight school, cadet program or anything so I’m not trying to get young people to apply for pilot traning for that reason. I’m sorry for taking so long to reply and approve your comment, time has been a struggle lately and I am finally finding more time to prioritise what I enjoy doing. Have an amazing day, fly safe ☺️☺️
Hi! My daughter is only 16 yet but really wants to be a pilot. Did you go straight to “pilot school” after gymnasiet (yes, she is Swedish 😄) or do you think that is too soon? She is taking up skydiving this summer and then her PPL. How Hard were the “stress handling tests” we have heard so much about? Love your Insta by the way!
Author
Hej Lena 🙂 Det är en jätte bra idé för henne att börja med sitt ppl så hon kan känna efter om det är något hon skulle vilja ha som karriär 🙂 Stress testet är nog något nytt för jag hade inte något sådant. Jag satt ner med en psykolog och pratade och gjorde lite små övningar, det var mest trevligt tycker jag 😁😁
Hi Maria
I´m from Germany and I want to start my flight training. I´m still thinking about the way which should I choose ; Modular or Integrated. I have a question how many hours did you have when you got your first Job because I see the most Airlines required to have an experience about 300 hours. How can i get so many hours The flying is so expensive and If I finish my flight training I should have about 200 hours. Is it inclusive as an experience or I need to do extra 300 hours after my flight training?
Thanks for your answer and wish you always happy landings 🙂
Hello Maria,
I will begin my studies next year.. it would be level zero to ATPL level.
In one of your comments you said that you had to wait 2 years until you got the job. can you tell me why?
Because this is the question I cant find an answer too.. after you finish the course? you can start work as a commercial pilot?
I, I wonder to know how you could finance yourself your training.
Hello! Maria
Thank you so much for writing this blog. It really helps me to get to underestand about being a pilot. I always wanted to be a pilot since I was a kid(will at first I want to be a alien… haha). I’m wondering whether I should apply the training that airliners provide or I should go find a flight school on my own?
Hi..i am bareesha, a 14 year old who is sooo desperate to be a pilot. Your blog really inspired me and especially the part that you yourself worked hard to finance ur training…cause probably dats what i want to do and not depend on my parents for the fee n all. If you dont mind , i had some more questions regarding this…like which job did you opted to earn and at what age did you start the training for ppl..you can reply me on my email : bareeshagrover@gmail.com or instagram dm : @bareeshagrover
Thanks
Hi Maria, You are an inspiration to me.
I am a 21 year old girl from Mauritius (a tropical, touristic island which you are very welcomed to visit), currently studying Aerospace Engineering in the UK. I will be graduating in September this year. I already have my FAA PPL which I did in the US and I am planning to convert it to an EASA one after my final exams in May. I would like to continue my flying training to become an airline pilot. My father is insisting that I go to the 43 Air school in south Africa, but I browsed and saw that CAE is one of the best school in the world. Can you please give me some guidance on what is the best for me. It will be of great help. Many Thanks
Hi Maria! I don’t know if it’s too late now to comment on this post but I am a very big fan of you!. And your blogs are so inspired. Im 17 from Asia and I’m so interested to become a pilot like you. I have a few questions to ask you and hope you don’t mind to answer.
1. I am 17 and now I’m in the aviation school also I already passed class1 medical check but I wondering if my height is going to be a problem to get a job? ( I’m 5″4 ) or around 160cm
2. So if I graduated I’d become a qualified pilot with CPL and I have heard so far that it would be hard to get a job as pilot (from flying hours are 200-300 ) is that true and how could you fix that?
3. And last one I promise. What Airline do you currently working for ?
Thanks Maria I hope you have a good time flying and be safe.
I am an Indian studying in 10th I want to be a pilot but I don’t know nothing what to take after 12. Pls help
Hello,
My name is Celia and I’m from Spain. As I have seen in your Instagram account your a pilot. My dream is to become a pilot but my parents keep saying it’s too difficult, too expensive and that not everybody can become a pilot. Right now I’m 17 years old and I still want to make my dream come true, but it seems like my parents don’t agree with me. For me being a pilot or being an air traffic controller would be awesome, I would love it so much!
I would like you to answer these questions for me if you don’t mind.
What subjects at school do you recommend me to do to become a pilot?
Where did you go to university to become a pilot?
Was it difficult?
Also I love traveling and I usually take planes. Do you think that if I ask the pilot of a plane if I could see how they manage the plane and how they do it, they would let me look at it and they will show me a little bit how it works and what they do?
Do you know how can I become an air traffic controller? I found information on the internet but every website says different stuff and I’m really confused.
Thank you very much! Wishing you the best!
Hi Maria, I’m 18yrs old & interested into going to the commercial airlines, but I’m barely
Starting off on my PPL. Flight school is pretty pricey, but what’s your opinion on going through the airforce route? I know you probably don’t know much about it, but have you heard from other pilots and what they say about going through the airforce route? Thanks!
hey maria! ☺️
i love hearing about your experiences!
did you start the flight school right after graduating high school?
i’m 17 and graduating in the next months. i really want to becone a pilot, but i’m not sure if i should start my training now.
i’m just really curious how you did it. 🙈✈️
Author
I lena, you don’t have to start straight away, take your time and figures out what you want to do. I was 24 when I started 😊😊
Hi Maria! My name is Fani and I’m still 14. I have a passion to become a pilot shortly after I saw yours Instagram account. It really inspiring. But many of my friends who say I’m not be able to be a pilot just because my posture is short and I;m not really good at Math, but I really in love with English. Will mean so much to me if you reply my comment and give me support. Thank you 🙂
Hi Maria!
I wanted to know the struggle of having a job once finished training?
Also, will there be pilots in the future?
As more and more computers are replacing the work of a pilot!
Is 33 too late to become an airline pilot?
Hope you reply!
Thanks in advance for your help 😉
Author
Hi 🙂 I always say: as long as Boeing, Airbus and other companies are having aircrafts coming out from their factories we will still need pilots 😊😊 As for how long that will be I don’t know, but I don’t see myself being replaced by a computer as long as I have left of my career, but you never know. I don’t think it’s ever too late to make a career change in life, make sure you do your research before to see what the job market is like where you live, if you aren’t ready to move somewhere else. It’s an expensive education and I wouldn’t want to give you false hopes by saying that it was easy to get a job, it was the hardest thing I have ever have to do!
Okay!
Thank you very much for the info!
I mean how long it takes to be an airline pilot after training?
How much it cost for an integrated atpl in Europe?
For instance, how to get hired by Ryanair?
Is the interview process difficult?
I’ve heard that the aviation industry will go better and better?
Also, I’ve heard about a pilot shortage, is it true?
Hope you reply!
Again and again thanks!
Have a nice weekend by the way! 😊
Author
Please ready my two first posts about my journey to be an airline pilot where I talk about prices getting a job etc 🙂
Okay, can you give me the link please?
Author
https://pilotmaria.com/2016/04/28/my-route-to-the-right-hand-seat/
https://pilotmaria.com/2016/07/28/becoming-an-airline-pilot/
Thank you very much for your help and time ☺️
Do you know Captain Peter ( mentour pilot ) ?
Your instagram is amazing!
See you soon by your side!
I’d really love to be a pilot some of the reason is when you are up in the air you’re gonna see some stunning view around the world and when you fly it is very exciting and once you are a pilot you will always be respected.