To become a Professional Pilot in the United States, you must undergo training, become certified, and obtain a position. Pilots can work in many capacities, particularly with passenger or cargo transportation, working for the military, performing crop dusting, or instructing future pilots. Becoming a Pilot requires a lot of time, and it is also a sizeable financial investment since flying does not come cheap.   
    
It is important to note that there are two different licenses that Pilots can obtain: The Certified Pilots License (CPL) and the Private Pilot License (PPL). The PPL is only for leisure purposes, meaning that aspiring pilots cannot use it for a paid position. Alternatively, career Pilots require their CPL, and aviation schools will often require that you hold your PPL as part of their registration. The minimum age to begin the CPL is 18 years, and students must undergo many hours of training both in the air and in ground school.   
    
If an aspiring Pilot is ready to commit their time and money to fly, they must pass specific requirements, including physical exams, obtaining enough hours, and more. 
 
What can help you become a Pilot

• Flight Lessons  

The first step to becoming a pilot is to enroll in flying lessons. Throughout the United States, flight schools have additional entry requirements, but you must be proficient in English and at least 18 years old for the CPL. Other requirements will vary from place to place. For example, some schools require that you have completed a certain level of education or have specific medical certifications.  
   

• Flying and Technical Hours  

As part of your flight lessons, instructors calculate hours spent in flight and apply them to your records as part of the process of receiving your Pilot license. The CPL requires that each Pilot has completed a minimum of 200 hours of flight, 100 hours of pilot-in-command time, 20 hours cross-country pilot-in-command-time, 30 hours post-private solo flight time, and 35 post-private dual instruction time. Becoming a Pilot, then, requires a lot of time and dedication.  
   

• Medical Examinations  

Pilots must meet a specific health standard and are obligated to hold medical certificates to support their qualifications. For example, a Pilot cannot have any mental or substance-related conditions that could impact their ability to control the aircraft. Additionally, Pilots must meet specific vision and hearing requirements to complete their responsibilities.  
   

• Passing the CPL  

Besides all CPL requirements, you must complete theoretical examinations with material that includes air law and radio navigation. Many airlines seek candidates who have scored above the 85% mark.  
   

• Keeping Licenses Updated  

Like many other licenses, the CPL can expire. It is essential to keep your training up to date as a pilot.