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Airline Transport Pilot

Leave a Comment / Commercial Pilot / By Jon Kotwicki

What is an Airline Transport Pilot? The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate is the pinnacle of pilot certification in the United States, granting its holders the authority to act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of scheduled airline operations and cargo flights. This certification is governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is a testament to a pilot’s experience, skill, and knowledge. Airline Transport Pilot Requirements Be at least 21 years of age (see R-ATP below) or 23 years of age, depending on the aeronautical experience requirements met. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. Be of good moral character. Hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, a foreign airline transport pilot license with instrument privileges, or a foreign commercial pilot license with an instrument rating. Must hold a 1st-class medical certificate Complete an approved ATP Certification Training Program (CTP). This requirement is only valid if you are seeking the ATP certificate with a multi-engine rating. The ATP single-engine rating does not require the completion of an ATP CTP program. Pass a pilot knowledge test with a score of 70% or higher. The ATP multi-engine airplane test (ATM) consists of 130 multiple-choice questions while the ATP single-engine airplane test (ATS) consists of 95 questions. Meet the aeronautical experience requirements that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought before applying for the practical test. Pass the practical test that applies to the aircraft category and class rating sought. Aeronautical experience requirements (ATP) (R-ATP) a person who is applying for an airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane category and class rating must have at least 1,500 hours of total time as a pilot that includes at least: 500 hours of cross-country flight time. 100 hours of night flight time. 50 hours of flight time in the class of airplane for the rating sought. A maximum of 25 hours of training in a full flight simulator representing the class of airplane for the rating sought may be credited toward the flight time requirement if the training was accomplished as part of an approved training course. A flight training device or aviation training device may not be used to satisfy this requirement. 75 hours of instrument flight time, in actual or simulated instrument conditions, subject to the following: An applicant may not receive credit for more than a total of 25 hours of simulated instrument time in a full flight simulator or flight training device. A maximum of 50 hours of training in a full flight simulator or flight training device may be credited toward the instrument flight time requirements if the training was accomplished in a course conducted by a training center. Training in a full flight simulator or flight training device must be accomplished in a full flight simulator or flight training device, representing an airplane. 250 hours of flight time in an airplane as a pilot in command, or as second in command performing the duties of pilot in command while under the supervision of a pilot in command, or any combination thereof, subject to the following: The flight time requirement must include at least— 100 hours of cross-country flight time; and 25 hours of night flight time. Except for a person who has been removed from flying status for lack of proficiency or because of a disciplinary action involving aircraft operations, a U.S. military pilot or former U.S. military pilot who meets the requirements, or a military pilot in the Armed Forces of a foreign contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation who meets the requirements, may credit flight time in a powered-lift aircraft operated in horizontal flight toward the flight time requirement. Not more than 100 hours of total aeronautical experience may be obtained in a full flight simulator or flight training device provided the device represents an airplane and the aeronautical experience was accomplished as part of an approved training course. A person who has performed at least 20-night takeoffs and landings to a full stop may substitute each additional night takeoff and landing to a full stop for 1 hour of night flight time to satisfy the requirements; however, not more than 25 hours of night flight time may be credited in this manner. A commercial pilot may log second-in-command pilot time toward the aeronautical experience requirements, provided the pilot is employed by a part 119 certificate holder authorized to conduct operations under part 135 of this chapter and the second-in-command pilot time is obtained in operations conducted for the certificate holder under part 91 or 135 when a second pilot is not required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is being conducted, and the following requirements are met— The experience must be accomplished as part of a second-in-command professional development program; The flight operation must be conducted in accordance with the certificate holder’s operations specification for the second-in-command professional development program; The pilot in command of the operation must certify in the pilot’s logbook that the second-in-command pilot time was accomplished under this section; and The pilot time may not be logged as pilot-in-command time even when the pilot is the sole manipulator of the controls and may not be used to meet the aeronautical experience requirements. A commercial pilot may log the following flight engineer flight time toward the 1,500 hours of total time as a pilot: Flight-engineer time, provided the time— Is acquired in an airplane required to have a flight engineer by the airplane’s flight manual or type certificate Is acquired while engaged in operations under part 121 of this chapter for which a flight engineer is required Is acquired while the person is participating in a pilot training program approved under part 121 of this chapter; an Does not exceed more than 1 hour for every 3 hours of flight engineer flight time for a total credited time of no more than 500 hours. Flight-engineer time, provided the flight time— Is acquired as a U.S. Armed Forces’ flight engineer crewmember in an airplane that requires a flight engineer crewmember by the flight manual; Is acquired while the person is participating in a flight engineer crewmember training program for the U.S. Armed Forces; and Does not exceed 1 hour for every 3 hours of flight engineer flight time for a total credited time of no more than 500 hours. R-ATP A restricted ATP (R-ATP) is a modification to the standard ATP requirements and

First-Class Medical Certificate

Leave a Comment / Commercial Pilot / By Jon Kotwicki

The rigorous First-Class Medical examination is mandated for those operating as commercial airline pilots or as pilots-in-command of certain aircraft and serves to assess an individual’s physical and mental fitness to undertake the responsibilities inherent in aviation. The FAA’s stringent criteria encompass a thorough evaluation of various health parameters, including cardiovascular health, vision, and psychological well-being. Beyond mere regulatory compliance, obtaining and maintaining a first-class medical certificate signifies a commitment to professional excellence and safety in aviation. Operations Requiring First-Class Medical Certificates Must hold a first-class medical certificate: When exercising the pilot-in-command privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate; When exercising the second-in-command privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate in a flag or supplemental operation in part 121 that requires three or more pilots; or When serving as a required pilot flightcrew member in an operation conducted under part 121 if the pilot has reached his or her 60th birthday. Duration of First Class Medical Certificate A first-class medical certificate is valid for a specified duration, depending on the age of the pilot: Under 40 years old: A first-class medical certificate is valid for 12 months, then to third-class privileges for 48 months 40 years old and over: A first-class medical certificate is valid for 6 months, then second-class privileges for an additional 6 months, and third-class privileges for another 12 months. Application Process For First Class Medical Certificate The application process for a third-class medical certificate involves several steps: MedXpress: Pilots are required to complete FAA Form 8500-8, also known as the Application for Airman Medical Certificate. This form collects personal and medical history information. You can complete this form online through the FAA’s MedXpress website. Locate an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME): Pilots must schedule an appointment with an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to undergo the medical examination. The cost of the exam is not set by the FAA, so it may be anywhere from $280- $395 depending on where you live. Medical Examination: During the medical examination, the AME will assess various aspects of the pilot’s health, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness. Submission and Review: Once the examination is complete, the AME will submit the medical certificate application to the FAA for review. With you potentially leaving the doctor’s office with your medical certificate in hand barring any underlying medical issues. MedXpress The FAA MedXPress system allows anyone requiring an FAA Medical Clearance or Medical Certificate to electronically complete the FAA Form 8500-8. Information entered into MedXPress will be available for your FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to review at the time of your medical examination. First-Class Airman Medical Certificate Eligibility To be eligible for a first-class airman medical certificate, and to remain eligible for a first-class airman medical certificate, a person must meet the requirements of this subpart. Eye Eye standards for a first-class airman medical certificate are: Distant visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If corrective lenses (spectacles or contact lenses) are necessary for 20/20 vision, the person may be eligible only on the condition that corrective lenses are worn while exercising the privileges of an airman certificate. Near vision of 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at 16 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If age 50 or older, near vision of 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at both 16 inches and 32 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. Ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties. Normal fields of vision. No acute or chronic pathological condition of either eye or adnexa that interferes with the proper function of an eye, that may reasonably be expected to progress to that degree, or that may reasonably be expected to be aggravated by flying. Bifoveal fixation and vergence-phoria relationship sufficient to prevent a break in fusion under conditions that may reasonably be expected to occur in performing airman duties. Tests for the factors named in this paragraph are not required except for persons found to have more than 1 prism diopter of hyperphoria, 6 prism diopters of esophoria, or 6 prism diopters of exophoria. If any of these values are exceeded, the Federal Air Surgeon may require the person to be examined by a qualified eye specialist to determine if there is bifoveal fixation and an adequate vergence-phoria relationship. However, if otherwise eligible, the person is issued a medical certificate pending the results of the examination. Ear, nose, throat, and equilibrium Ear, nose, throat, and equilibrium standards for a first-class airman medical certificate are: The person shall demonstrate acceptable hearing by at least one of the following tests: Demonstrate an ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room, using both ears, at a distance of 6 feet from the examiner, with the back turned to the examiner. Demonstrate an acceptable understanding of speech as determined by audiometric speech discrimination testing to a score of at least 70 percent obtained in one ear or in a sound field environment. Provide acceptable results of pure tone audiometric testing of unaided hearing acuity according to the following table of worst acceptable thresholds, using the calibration standards of the American National Standards Institute, 1969: Frequency (Hz) 500 Hz 1000 Hz 2000 Hz 3000 Hz Better ear (Db) 35 30 30 40 Poorer ear (Db) 35 50 50 60 No disease or condition of the middle or internal ear, nose, oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx that— Interferes with, or is aggravated by, flying or may reasonably be expected to do so; or Interferes with, or may reasonably be expected to interfere with clear and effective speech communication. No disease or condition manifested by or that may reasonably be expected to be manifested by, vertigo or a disturbance of equilibrium. Mental Mental standards for a first-class airman medical certificate are: No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following: A personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly

Second-Class Medical Certificate

Leave a Comment / Commercial Pilot / By Jon Kotwicki

Before delving into the specifics of Second-Class Medicals, let’s understand the broader context of medical certification in aviation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that pilots possess a valid medical certificate to act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of an aircraft. The issuance of medical certificates ensures that pilots are fit to fly, promoting aviation safety. Among these certifications, the 2nd Class Medical holds a significant place, granting certain privileges to pilots while ensuring their health meets specific standards. Operations Requiring Second-Class Medical The privileges associated with a second-class medical certificate are broader compared to a third-class medical. Second-in-command privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate Privileges of a commercial pilot certificate in an aircraft other than a balloon or glider; or Privileges of a commercial pilot certificate with a balloon class rating for compensation or hire; or Duration of Second-Class Medical One of the key differences between Second and Third Class Medicals lies in their duration of validity. A second-class medical certificate is valid for a specified duration, depending on the age of the pilot: Under 40 years old: You may exercise commercial privileges for 12 months then your privileges revert down to third-class privileges for 48 months. 40 years old and over: A second-class medical certificate is valid for 12 months then your privileges revert down to third-class privileges for 12 additional months. Application Process The application process for a second-class medical certificate involves several steps: MedXpress: Pilots are required to complete FAA Form 8500-8, also known as the Application for Airman Medical Certificate. This form collects personal and medical history information. You can complete this form online through the FAA’s MedXpress website. Locate an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME): Pilots must schedule an appointment with an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to undergo the medical examination. The cost of the exam is not set by the FAA, so it may be anywhere from $175-$250 depending on where you live. Medical Examination: During the medical examination, the AME will assess various aspects of the pilot’s health, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness. Submission and Review: Once the examination is complete, the AME will submit the medical certificate application to the FAA for review. With you potentially leaving the doctor’s office with your medical certificate in hand barring any underlying medical issues. MedXpress The FAA MedXPress system allows anyone requiring an FAA Medical Clearance or Medical Certificate to electronically complete the FAA Form 8500-8. Information entered into MedXPress will be available for your FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to review at the time of your medical examination. Second-Class Airman Medical Certificate Eligibility To be eligible for a second-class airman medical certificate, and to remain eligible for a second-class airman medical certificate, a person must meet these requirements. Eye Eye standards for a second-class airman medical certificate are: Distant visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If corrective lenses (spectacles or contact lenses) are necessary for 20/20 vision, the person may be eligible only on the condition that corrective lenses are worn while exercising the privileges of an airman certificate. Near vision of 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at 16 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If age 50 or older, near vision of 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at both 16 inches and 32 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. Ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties. Normal fields of vision. No acute or chronic pathological condition of either eye or adnexa that interferes with the proper function of an eye, that may reasonably be expected to progress to that degree, or that may reasonably be expected to be aggravated by flying. Bifoveal fixation and vergence-phoria relationship sufficient to prevent a break in fusion under conditions that may reasonably be expected to occur in performing airman duties. Tests for the factors named in this paragraph are not required except for persons found to have more than 1 prism diopter of hyperphoria, 6 prism diopters of esophoria, or 6 prism diopters of exophoria. If any of these values are exceeded, the Federal Air Surgeon may require the person to be examined by a qualified eye specialist to determine if there is bifoveal fixation and an adequate vergence-phoria relationship. However, if otherwise eligible, the person is issued a medical certificate pending the results of the examination. Ear, nose, throat, and equilibrium Ear, nose, throat, and equilibrium standards for a second-class airman medical certificate are: The person shall demonstrate acceptable hearing by at least one of the following tests: Demonstrate an ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room, using both ears, at a distance of 6 feet from the examiner, with the back turned to the examiner. Demonstrate an acceptable understanding of speech as determined by audiometric speech discrimination testing to a score of at least 70 percent obtained in one ear or in a sound field environment. Provide acceptable results of pure tone audiometric testing of unaided hearing acuity according to the following table of worst acceptable thresholds, using the calibration standards of the American National Standards Institute, 1969: Frequency (Hz) 500 Hz 1000 Hz 2000 Hz 3000 Hz Better ear (Db) 35 30 30 40 Poorer ear (Db) 35 50 50 60 No disease or condition of the middle or internal ear, nose, oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx that— Interferes with, or is aggravated by, flying or may reasonably be expected to do so; or Interferes with, or may reasonably be expected to interfere with, clear and effective speech communication. No disease or condition manifested by, or that may reasonably be expected to be manifested by, vertigo or a disturbance of equilibrium. Mental Mental standards for a second-class airman medical certificate are: No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following: A personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts. A psychosis. As used in this section, “psychosis” refers to a mental disorder

Corporate Pilot Life

1 Comment / Commercial Pilot, Uncategorized / By Jon Kotwicki

How to Become a Corporate Pilot There are two ways to fly on expensive and exclusive private jets. You can work and earn a big pile of money to buy one. Or the simple, cheaper option. Become a corporate pilot. Corporate pilots are commercial pilots who fly business aircraft around the world. Airplanes like Gulfstreams, Cessna Citations, Dassault Falcons, and Kingair turboprops. Unlike airline pilots, corporate pilots only deal with a few passengers and are not limited to large commercial airports. They typically fly airplanes smaller than airliners and work for companies or private individuals. Corporate aviation, also called business aviation, is an exciting career path with excellent pay, benefits, and the ultimate perk, flying fast jets and exploring the world! This article will describe the day in the life of a corporate pilot. It will cover job opportunities, the salary, and how to become a corporate pilot. Corporate Pilot Jobs Corporate pilots fly privately owned aircraft for private and public companies, private individuals, or private jet companies. Many people assume corporate pilots are private pilots for rich folks and celebrities. There are some private jet pilots for these celebrities, but this only represents a small fraction of the available corporate pilot jobs. Most business jets require two pilots to fly them. There is a captain and first officer, sometimes called a “co-pilot.” In larger flight departments, there is also a chief pilot and director of operations. These are positions that require more experience, flight hours, and sometimes higher education. They are also paid more than the other pilots. Business Aviation Jobs Corporate pilots that fly for companies are also called business aviation pilots. Many publicly traded companies and private companies operate a fleet of aircraft, called a flight department. Flight departments exist to serve the company. They do not sell seats on their airplanes. Only employees of the company are allowed to ride on these jets. Despite the high cost of private airplanes, it is often cheaper for the company than buying airline tickets. Plus, they save valuable time by avoiding security lines, extra transportation, and airline delays. It is common for corporate pilots to know the CEOs and other top executives on a first-name basis. Professionalism and safety is a top skill for all corporate pilots. Private flight department pilots are responsible for nearly everything, from catering, fueling, flight-planning, and even acting as the flight attendant on the plane. Charter Pilot Jobs Usually, when people talk about flying on a private airplane, they are thinking of a charter. The cost of owning and operating a private jet is too expensive for most people and small companies. For those who infrequently travel, chartering an aircraft is a cost-effective option. Charter pilots are commercial pilots that work for a company that owns the airplanes. These jobs are more similar to airline pilots. Since anyone from the public can charter an aircraft, it is highly regulated. Charter pilot jobs may be easier to find than other corporate pilot jobs. Some charter companies employ hundreds of pilots and are run similarly to an airline. Wheels Up is an example of a charter airplane company. Private Pilot Jobs In the world of aviation, a private pilot is anyone who holds a private pilot license. This license allows them to fly themselves and others without compensation. However, when discussing “private pilots” most are referring to an individual owning a plane and hiring personal pilots. Some high net-worth people will purchase an airplane and hire a management team to operate it. That will include personal pilots that only work for that individual. If you want to get a “private pilot license” so that you can fly private jets, you may be disappointed to find out you’ll need a very different license. To see all of the pilot license types explained, check out this article here. Corporate Pilot Life A wonderful part of aviation is that no day is the same. There are always new views, challenges, and excitement. A corporate pilot may be gone for a single day or weeks at a time when traveling around the world. Below is an example of a corporate pilot that works for a company operating a day trip. It is a corporate pilot’s job to operate the aircraft safely and maximize efficiency. Every minute counts. Day in the Life of a Corporate Pilot Let’s take a look at a corporate pilot named Steve, working for a Fortune 500 company’s flight department. Two days before the trip starts, Steve receives an email and phone notification with details about the trip. He starts preparations the next day. Steve chooses the best airports, negotiates fuel prices, and gets the airplane stocked for the flight. The morning of the trip, Steve arrives two hours before departure, or “wheels up.” He checks the weather with his first officer and files the flight plan. They perform a thorough preflight of the airplane. About 30 minutes before their flight, they start up the aircraft to have it ready the moment the passengers arrive. Steve greets the passengers. Today the company’s CEO and some managers are heading to Chicago for a client meeting. As soon as they sit down, Steve starts the engines and begins taxiing out for takeoff. Unlike airline flights, there is no security or waiting. A passenger can be dropped off at the airport and take off within minutes. For these people, time equals money. It is the pilot’s job to keep the operation running efficiently and quickly. Steve flies the first flight. En route, his first officer assists and prepares breakfast for the passengers. Before landing, Steve calls ahead on radio to the airport to confirm their car to meet them at the plane. After landing and taxiing to the private terminal, the passengers get out and drive to their business meeting. Steve and his first officer stay with the plane to prepare it for their flight home. Their business meeting is scheduled to last three hours. Once Steve and his

Low Time Pilot Jobs

Leave a Comment / Commercial Pilot, Flight Training / By Jon Kotwicki

You’ve done it! You’ve studied, you’ve trained, and you have flown your butt off to get that ‘golden’ commercial pilot certificate that finally allows you to be hired for compensation. But now what? Your new hurdle to climb is to find a job as a newly minted commercial, low time pilot. Sounds tough, but you are in luck as aviation has numerous possibilities when it comes to low time pilot jobs. Here you will find a list of low time pilot opportunities that will finally allow you to put that commercial pilot certificate to use. Banner Towing I can guarantee you have seen these planes buzzing around football stadiums, concert venues, and even pulling the occasional ‘Will you marry me?’ banner. This type of flying is a great way to start out your professional pilot career as you will most likely be flying numerous hours in a row- slow, low, and in VFR conditions. To become a banner tow pilot, you will need an endorsement that states you have gained proper instruction to ensure the safety of flight as you are hooking the banner onto your aircraft, close to the ground while already airborne. You will also need a tailwheel endorsement to fly the aircraft required to pull these banners. New to tailwheel flying? No need to stress, as Fly8MA has great resources to get you prepared for that tailwheel endorsement. What to expect Expect to find a banner towing job in large cities near stadiums or in popular tourist areas. Banner towing pilots will be flying their advertisements over large crowds of people, for numerous hours in a row, which means this type of flying position will more than likely be paid hourly. Also expect this type of flying to be done on weekends, which provides a great opportunity to have another flying position in conjunction with banner towing. Glider Towing Gliders are light aircraft that maintain flight without an engine. For these aircraft to become airborne, they utilize a powered aircraft to tow them into flight. Much like banner towing, this happens with utilization from a tailwheel aircraft. Unlike the other jobs in this article, glider towing is the only ‘job’ that you can maintain without receiving a commercial certificate, with the condition being you will not be compensated for your time. Although you may not be getting paid when you begin glider towing, this is a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience that will lead you towards higher-paying positions. What to expect Glider flying is done in rural areas and mostly on weekends, as this is more of a sport hobby for the glider pilot. If you are being paid as a glider tower, you will more likely than be paid for a day’s worth of work, per flight, or hourly. Also like banner towing, this is another great opportunity to have another flying job in conjunction with glider towing. Aerial Photography Aerial photography is utilized to get the ‘big picture’ from above. This includes photos of real estate, construction, property, you name it, it can be photographed! As an aerial photography pilot, your job is to fly an aircraft with either a camera mounted to the plane itself or with a photographer that will be in charge of getting ‘that’ photo. You might be asking yourself, can’t a drone just do that? Yes! A drone can absolutely do that. But with the 400 ft. restriction that is placed on drone operations, drones are not capable of getting the same photograph that an aircraft can get at say, 1,500 ft.. This means that aerial photography is still absolutely in demand and a great job for a low time pilot. What to Expect Aerial photography flying jobs can be found all over as the possibilities are endless when it comes to aerial photographs. As an aerial photography pilot, expect to be paid either hourly or salary, depending on how large the aerial photography company is. Having your multi-engine rating is also a great way to make your resume stand out and bump up the pay as some aerial photography companies only fly multi engine aircraft. Flight Instructor By now you have heard it once, and you are going to hear it again. Get that flight instructor certificate! A Certified Flight Instructor’s job is of course to teach students to fly, but there is so much more to being a flight instructor than just this. In obtaining your Certified Flight Instructor certificate, you are solidifying the aviation knowledge you have already gained so far. This certificate will really take you places as you can of course become a CFI with low time, but you can utilize this certificate in many different ways well into your flying future. Have your sites on flying for the airlines? You could be an instructor for them! Ever thought of running a flight school? Every flight school needs a chief pilot, also known as ‘chief flight instructor.’ Have dreams of creating your own schedule, flying when you want, where you want, with aspiring pilots? Sounds like you would be a great career long flight instructor! This is just a few examples of where this certificate will take you, and by investing in this certificate you are really making a great investment in yourself as a low time pilot. What to Expect As a low time pilot, you will most likely find yourself in a traditional flight school setting starting out. Flight schools can really be found anywhere, and flight instructors are always in demand meaning the opportunity to find a position is in your favor. Expect to be paid hourly, although there are opportunities for salary positions depending on the school. Some flight school settings even have opportunities for additional flying depending on the services that the flight school provides. Still unsure that the effort of becoming a flight instructor is right for you? Fly8MA has plenty of