To work as an airplane pilot, you must:

complete at least a high school diploma or GED;

have good health and vision;

complete flight training;

complete requirements for a commercial pilot's certificate; and

have an instrument rating.

Education requirements for pilots vary depending on the type of flying they do. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement. However, most pilots have at least an associate degree and many have a bachelor's degree. Many airlines require a bachelor's degree to work as a commercial pilot. All pilots learn their flying skills in one of three ways. These are:

attend a flight school approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA);

take private lessons from a FAA-licensed instructor; or

take flight training in the military.

Some colleges and universities offer FAA-approved flight training. These programs combine flight training with regular college course work

May work nights, holidays, and weekends.

Usually fly 75 to 100 hours a month. They also spend about 75 hours a month preparing for flights, writing reports, and waiting for planes to arrive.

May spend a lot of time away from their home base.

May experience jet lag after long periods of travel.

Usually work a regular schedule.

AIRLINE PILOTS will:

May work nights, holidays, and weekends

Fly 75 to 100 hours a month

Often work under pressure

Take written, oral, and practical exams

AIRLINE PILOTS frequently:

Use hands to handle airplane instrument panels and controls.

Sit while flying airplanes.

It is important that AIRLINE PILOTS be able to:

Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.

Determine the distance between objects.

See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.

Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.

Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.

Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

Understand the speech of another person.

Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

See objects in very bright or very low light.