Becoming a commercial airline pilot involves an extensive training process that includes passing multiple exams along the way. From flight training to navigating aviation regulations, pilots must demonstrate thorough knowledge in a variety of areas before operating commercial airliners. So just how many exams does it take to become an airline pilot? The answer depends on the specific path a pilot follows in their training and certification process.
Private Pilot Certification
The first major step for any aspiring airline pilot is obtaining a Private Pilot Certificate. This involves passing a knowledge test on aviation regulations, weather, navigation, and flight operations. The private pilot knowledge test contains 60 multiple choice questions, and a minimum score of 70% is required to pass. In addition to the knowledge exam, student pilots must pass a practical flight exam with an FAA inspector to demonstrate proficiency in piloting skills. Obtaining the private pilot certificate allows pilots to act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft with passengers, but does not permit compensation for flights.
Instrument Rating
After earning a private pilot certificate, the next step for many pilots pursuing an airline career is obtaining an instrument rating. This rating is required for operating an aircraft in low visibility or bad weather conditions. To qualify for the instrument rating, pilots must pass both a knowledge exam and a practical test.
The instrument rating knowledge test covers topics like air traffic control procedures, navigation systems, and flight instruments. It contains 60 questions, and pilots need a minimum score of 70% to pass. The practical exam requires demonstrating proficiency in flying solely by reference to instruments in simulated or actual instrument weather conditions. Passing both the knowledge and practical tests is required to earn an instrument rating.
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Pilots who want to fly as a career and receive compensation for flight services must obtain a commercial pilot certificate. There are two knowledge exams required:
– Commercial pilot airplane written exam – This knowledge test covers aerodynamics, airplane systems, commercial flight operations, weather, and FAA regulations. It contains 100 multiple choice questions, and the passing score is 70%.
– Instrument airplane written exam – Even if a pilot already holds an instrument rating, they must pass this knowledge exam to obtain the airplane commercial certificate. It covers topics related to flying under instrument flight rules (IFR).
In addition to the two knowledge tests, pilots must pass a practical exam with an FAA inspector to demonstrate skills like airport operations, navigation, emergency procedures, and night flying. Meeting all the knowledge and practical testing requirements earns pilots a commercial pilot certificate. This allows them to act as pilot-in-command and get paid for operating non-scheduled flights and charter services.
Multi-Engine Rating
Having a multi-engine rating on a commercial pilot certificate is an important qualification for airline pilot candidates. Operating aircraft with multiple engines requires separate training and testing. There are two components:
– Multi-engine rating knowledge test – This written exam covers systems, procedures, aerodynamics, and emergency operations specifically related to multi-engine aircraft. It has 60 questions with a 70% passing score.
– Multi-engine rating practical test – The flight exam involves demonstrating mastery of multi-engine aircraft control, engine failures, and other procedures. Passing both sections earns the multi-engine rating endorsement.
ATP Certificate
The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate represents the highest level of pilot certification. All major airline pilots are required to hold an ATP certificate. There are three knowledge test prerequisites:
– ATP Airplane Knowledge Test – This test includes 100 questions covering air law, aircraft systems, meteorology, flight planning, human factors, and other advanced topics. A minimum score of 80% is required.
– Aircraft Dispatcher Knowledge Exam – Pilots have to pass this 60 question test on dispatching principles, regulations, and procedures with a 70% minimum score.
– ATP Certification Training Program – Pilots must complete an ATP Certification Training Program through an FAA-approved provider. This involves classroom instruction on topics like aerodynamics, automation, adverse weather, and crew resource management.
Once a pilot meets these airline transport pilot knowledge prerequisites, they must pass a practical flight exam to demonstrate complex aircraft operation skills and earn the ATP certificate.
Aircraft Type Ratings
Beyond ATP certification, pilots must also obtain a type rating to fly specific jet aircraft models operated by airlines. This involves intensive training and testing specific to that make/model of plane. Some examples of airline aircraft that require their own type rating include:
– Boeing 737
– Boeing 747
– Airbus A320
– Embraer ERJ145
For each aircraft type rating, pilots must pass a knowledge exam covering that plane’s systems, limitations, performance, and procedures. A minimum score of 80% is required. Simulator-based flight training is also mandatory, and pilots must demonstrate proficiency in standard and emergency operations in a full flight simulator. When pilots satisfy all the knowledge and practical requirements for a specific jet airliner, they earn the type rating which is endorsed on their ATP certificate.
Major passenger airlines often operate several different aircraft types, so their pilots need to obtain multiple type ratings to fly various planes in that airline’s fleet. For example, a pilot working for United Airlines may hold type ratings for the Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777.
Recurrent Training and Checking
Even after completing all their initial certification, airline pilots have ongoing recurrent training and checking requirements mandated by the FAA. These are intended to ensure pilots maintain proficiency and keep their piloting skills sharp.
Some examples of recurrent training and evaluations pilots must periodically complete include:
– Annual proficiency check – Pilots undergo a checkride with an FAA inspector or designated examiner to demonstrate knowledge and flying skills.
– Aircraft type-specific recurrent training – Every 12 months, pilots must complete recurrent training and testing on each aircraft type they are qualified to fly. This includes a written exam and simulator session.
– Line checks – Captains and First Officers fly scheduled trips being observed and evaluated by a check airman.
– CRM Training – Crew Resource Management techniques are practiced and evaluated regularly in realistic flight scenarios.
So in summary, commercial airline pilots must pass multiple knowledge exams and practical tests throughout their training process from private pilot certification through ATP licensure and aircraft type ratings. Then they continuously maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills through ongoing recurrent qualification. While the specific exams required depend on each pilot’s situation, obtaining all the required licenses, ratings, and operational experience needed to fly for the airlines involves successfully completing many comprehensive tests along the way.
Typical Exams Taken by Airline Pilots
Here is an overview of the typical exams and tests taken by airline pilots:
Exam | Number of Questions | Passing Score |
---|---|---|
Private pilot knowledge test | 60 questions | 70% minimum |
Instrument rating knowledge test | 60 questions | 70% minimum |
Commercial pilot airplane knowledge test | 100 questions | 70% minimum |
Multi-engine rating knowledge test | 60 questions | 70% minimum |
ATP airplane knowledge test | 100 questions | 80% minimum |
Aircraft dispatcher knowledge exam | 60 questions | 70% minimum |
Aircraft type rating knowledge exam | 100-150 questions | 80-85% minimum |
Recurrent training exams | Varies | Varies by exam |
This overview shows that airline pilots take seven or more major knowledge tests with 60-150 questions each in order to gain all their initial certifications and ratings. Then they undergo regular recurrent training and evaluations to maintain qualifications. The stringent testing requirements reflect the critical importance of pilots having comprehensive expertise in aviation topics ranging from weather to navigation to aircraft systems in order to safely operate complex commercial jets.
Importance of Aviation Knowledge Testing
The extensive written and practical testing requirements for airline pilots serve some very important purposes:
– **Verify expertise** – Ensuring pilots have mastered the vast array of knowledge required to operate aircraft safely. Exams test fundamentals like aerodynamics along with the fine details of operating specific aircraft systems.
– **Assess judgment and decision-making** – Scenario-based questions evaluate pilots’ ability to make sound decisions and exercise proper judgment under adverse conditions. Good judgment is critical for airline pilots.
– **Evaluate proficiency** – Practical tests administered by FAA examiners determine pilots have the required skills to pilot aircraft through normal and emergency situations. Ongoing checks verify pilots maintain proficiency.
– **Promote safety** – Comprehensive pilot testing promotes air safety by verifying only trained, knowledgeable, and proficient pilots operate commercial airliners. Testing weeds out those unable to display aviation competence.
– **Fulfill legal requirements** – Pilot certification and aircraft type ratings require meeting FAA knowledge exam and skill testing standards. Airlines must verify pilots comply with regulations.
– **Support standardization** – Uniform pilot testing on unified subject matter creates standardized knowledge and practices. This is essential for consistency and safety.
Clearly, pilot exams serve a number of important purposes that all ultimately promote air safety. The public depends on airlines to employ comprehensively trained and evaluated pilots, and rigorous aviation testing makes that possible.
Conclusion
Becoming an airline pilot is an intensive process full of training courses, flight hours, and exams. Private pilot certification is just the beginning. Pilots must obtain additional licenses, ratings, and authorizations to qualify for airline jobs. Commercial air carriers then provide extensive training on their aircraft and procedures. Throughout their careers, airline pilots undergo regular proficiency checks and refresher training.
While the exact exams and tests required vary based on individual circumstances, prospective airline pilots can expect to be thoroughly challenged on their aviation knowledge. Passing scores demonstrate that pilots have mastered the array of subjects that enable safe flight operations. Ongoing recurrent training verifies that pilots maintain the highest levels of skill and readiness. With air travel safety depending on pilot capability, the testing ensures individuals have the knowledge, judgment, and abilities to take on the immense responsibilities that come with being an airline pilot.