By choosing the military, you consent to 10 or more years of military service after you have completed your first year as a pilot trainee. Additionally, it is necessary to write a college course paper, be reasonably healthy and physically fit. A big advantage of this way of studying is that military pays for you training, and you get the most professional training there can be.

Training

The initial training at an airline lasts around 10 weeks. Basic instruction and training on general subjects, which includes regulations and company-specific procedures, takes another two weeks. Pilots usually spend two weeks on aircraft systems specific to the equipment they are to operate, after what they pair off with a training partner and have about two more weeks of simulator training (emergency and anomaly situations training). All maneuvers are practiced until they are satisfactorily completed. Then you spend at least 25 hours of flight time with a special instructor pilot and get initial operating experience, which teaches you to integrate your new technical skills with the everyday specifications of the job. Finally, there is a line check. After you pass it, you are allowed to fly flights as a crew member. Right after a line check airlines schedule 100 hours of flying for you, so that you get experience as soon as possible.

Pilot Positions

In the left seat sits the captain. His responsibilities include operating the aircraft and making the most important decisions concerning the flight and its safety. One is required to be experienced and have much time available for work to work as a captain.

The person who occupies the right seat is the first officer who carries out functions of a co-pilot. He/she has a special kit of equipment and instruments at his disposal and operates the aircraft by turns with the captain. The responsibilities of the first officer comprise checking paperwork and the general condition of an airplane before the flight. Except for successful passing oral and written exams, the first officer has to be flexible concerning time availability.

There also may be a third place in the cockpit for a flight engineer, or a second officer. This person doesn’t operate an aircraft. However, his duties include conducting different preflight verifications, making sure the mechanisms in the plane work properly during the flight and another necessary work. This position, however, is not often practice now, since modern airplanes are usually high-tech with the functions of the second officer performed automatically.