Career Pilot

Welcome to AOPA's Career Pilot resources

Welcome to AOPA’s Career Pilot pages. The information on these pages will help you to plot the best course to a successful career as a professional pilot.

Career Resources

Q&A: The Career Advisor

Question: I’ve been reading the Career Pilot section faithfully since it first appeared last year, but there seems to be a lot of emphasis on airline careers. After reading an article about air taxi flying that featured Sarah O’Brien giving her take on that career track, I must say that Part 135 flying seems to be more up my alley. Is the charter segment of the industry experiencing the pilot shortage, too?

Answer: Air taxis operate under Part 135 of the federal aviation regulations, and those FARs cover a single-pilot operator flying a Cessna 182 up to those slick Gulfstream G-Vs being flown by the mega-companies. Read More >>

Airline Hiring Statistics

The airlines hired 966 pilots in March, according to Atlanta-based AIR, Inc. The first-quarter 2008 total was 3,167 pilots, an increast of 424 pilot jobs from this time last year.

Career Development

The key to being as prepared as possible for a professional piloting career is staying informed, both about the industry in general and about potential employers in particular. Learn more >>

Professional Training?

Some of the most important training for professional pilots involves flying as part of a multi-person crew. Mastering the concept and practices of crew resource management is a requirement for your career. Learn more >>

Turbine Aircraft Technology

The jet and turboprop aircraft flown by most professional pilots employ systems that are much more sophisticated than those of piston-engine training aircraft. Knowledge of these system basics will help you launch your career. Learn more >>

Career Success Stories

Learning about the success of others who recently attained the same objective can be inspirational and a source of motivation—and their experiences may help you decide how to pursue the career you want. Learn more >>

Industry News

How is the industry—and individual airlines—doing financially? What new regulations that could affect your career lurk just over the horizon? There are many reasons why you should stay informed about developments in your chosen field. Learn more >>

AOPA Flight Training Magazine Online

The #1 magazine for student pilots and flight instructors has assembled a wide variety of resources to speed your understanding of flight and your flight-training experience, and move you closer to your goal of becoming a professional pilot. Learn more >>

Updated May 7, 2008