Aviation Profession
How to Become a Pilot
Many individuals are interested in aviation and seek ways to pursue a career in it. Here are some essential steps to becoming a pilot:
Enroll in Higher Education: The first step is to pursue a university degree in aviation. Most aviation companies, especially in the commercial and civil sectors, prefer to hire pilots with a bachelor's degree. Relevant fields like computer science, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering provide valuable skills for aspiring pilots.
Flight Hours: Aspiring pilots must complete a minimum of approximately 250 flight hours in training to gain knowledge about different types of aircraft, as well as develop the necessary skills and experience.
Obtain a Pilot's License: After completing the required flight hours, a pilot must apply for a license. This process includes medical exams, such as hearing and vision tests, to ensure they are physically fit for the job. Pilots must also pass a written exam covering aviation knowledge and a practical skills assessment.
Additional Exams: Some pilots may need to provide additional certifications, such as airworthiness certificates and health certificates. Certain airlines also require psychological assessments.
Starting a Career as a Pilot: After completing all necessary steps, a pilot is ready to begin their career. However, renowned airlines often prefer hiring pilots with around 4,000 flight hours, so new pilots usually start as co-pilots to gain experience. Many begin their careers flying helicopters or chartered planes before moving on to established airlines.
History of Aviation
The ancient history of aviation dates back to China in 400 BC when they invented kites, sparking interest in flying among humans. In 875 AD, the Arab thinker Abbas Ibn Firnas attempted the first recorded flight by creating wings, marking the first recorded attempt at human flight.
In the late 15th century, artist Leonardo da Vinci designed about 100 sketches related to aviation and named his flying machine "Ornithopter," resembling the modern-day helicopter.
In 1783, the Montgolfier brothers invented the first hot-air balloon using a bag filled with hot air produced by smoke, allowing it to rise and reach around 6,000 feet. Their successful unmanned flight inspired a human-piloted hot-air balloon flight later that year.
From 1799 to 1850, George Cayley advanced the field by creating designs for gliders, and his innovations led to adding a tail for stability. Later, Otto Lilienthal, an engineer, designed a functional glider and studied aerodynamics, publishing a book on the subject in 1889. Astronomer Samuel Langley created a steam-powered aircraft in 1891, which flew until its fuel ran out.
In 1903, the Wright brothers made the first controlled, powered airplane flight, lasting about 39 minutes.
Types of Aircraft
Aircraft are categorized based on their use into two main types:
Civilian Aircraft: These include all aircraft used for non-military purposes. Civilian aircraft are divided into commercial planes, business planes, and private planes. Private planes are used for personal trips, business planes generate revenue for their owners, and commercial planes transport passengers and cargo.
Military Aircraft: These are specifically designed for military operations and include fighter jets for air battles, bombers for targeting ground objectives, and transport planes for military logistics.
References
- "Become a Pilot: Education and Career Roadmap," study.com. Retrieved 20-10-2017. Edited.
- "History of Flight," www.grc.nasa.gov. Retrieved 20-10-2017. Edited.
- "Abbas ibn Firnas, The First Flying Man (810–887)," idesign. Retrieved 22-8-2022. Edited.
- Walter James Boyne, "Airplane - Civil Aircraft," www.britannica.com. Retrieved 20-10-2017. Edited.
