There are no unskilled, untrained pilot positions available. Flying is a rewarding, exciting profession that requires training -- and ongoing training -- and a high set of skills. First and foremost, you must be trained and trained well in order to qualify for FAA certifications and ratings, as well as for other countries' certifications. The types of certification you will need depends on what type of flying you plan to do: For example, if you plan to be an agricultural pilot, the requirements are different than if you hope to be a captain for British Airways. Plus, you will need certain aircraft type ratings for the specific aircraft you will fly, if you want to be airline pilot.
For the airlines, you will need at least a Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot Certificate. And if you wish to someday be an airline captain, you might also need an Airline Transport Pilot License, which is the highest certificate you can earn. You will need these to be hired. After you are hired, the airline will provide additional training in the specific type of aircraft you will be flying.
Because pilots are directly responsible for the lives of other people, the airline industry is very strict about the health, life style and training of pilots. An airline captain must take a physical exam every six month, and the health standards are high. All airlines are also extremely strict about the use of intoxicants. For example, as a pilot you'll be subjected to FAA-mandated drug tests.
And even after achieving your Commercial Pilot Certificate, you will typically go through retraining at least annually to make sure your skills are first-rate.
Want to learn more? Call Phoenix East Aviation and talk to an Admissions Officer. He or she can answer your questions. That number worldwide is 1-386-258-0703 worldwide or see www.pea.com