Professional Aviation

Professional aviation in the United States is a demanding and rewarding career field that offers many opportunities to aspiring students. Colleges throughout the country offer programs where students can major in aviation; earning their college degrees while simultaneously learning the skills necessary to become commercial pilots.

Students who complete the aviation science program at community colleges like Central Texas College (CTC) receive an associate in applied science degree. They also earn their commercial pilot certificate for airplanes with an instrument rating. Their training will provide the foundational knowledge and skills for transition into entry-level jobs within the aviation industry.

The in-depth instruction at CTC includes aerodynamics, meteorology, airplane performance calculations, navigation, aircraft systems and federal aviation regulations. Students learn to fly in a variety of airspace and airport environments and weather situations. They will be qualified to fly single engine airplanes in today's complex aviation world.

The curriculum also includes a traditional academic core with courses in math, history, English and science. Job opportunities at this point in their career would be aimed at acquiring more flight hours needed to meet the experience requirements for employment within the air carrier industry.

Career paths for professional pilots in the U.S. most often take one of three primary directions, although each may eventually lead to employment in a different segment of the industry. Many graduates' ultimate goal is a job flying transport category aircraft with the major airlines. Other graduates who qualify opt for military aviation or corporate flying where professional pilots fly private company employees to business meetings all over the world.

Many of these jobs require students to continue their education to earn a bachelor's degree at senior level institutions. It is also important that individuals earn additional pilot qualifications such as a multi-engine airplane rating, since most employers are looking for some multiengine experience from their new employees.

Another excellent way to gain experience and accumulate flight hours is to become a certified flight instructor and spend time teaching others how to fly. As a person teaches others, they learn even more about the field of aviation and gain invaluable communication, organizational and interpersonal skills. Many schools, including CTC, employ former students as flight instructors while they continue their education.

There are many other productive and exciting ways to gain flight experience. In the U.S., general aviation activities are only limited by a person's imagination. Pilots are employed flying sight-seeing tours, pipeline and power line patrol, traffic watch, aerial photography and even towing advertising banners over outdoor sporting events. Flexibility and networking are important in locating these positions and fellow alumni often are instrumental in helping other graduates seeking employment.

Students who aspire to become professional pilots can expect a demanding training environment, which requires dedication perseverance and hard work. For anyone who dreams of living the life of a commercial pilot, it is well worth the effort and can be the start of a worthwhile and rewarding vocation.

Article provided by Central Texas College located in Killeen, Texas.