How to Adjust Clutch Pedal

The clutch is that part of your car that helps in power transmission, and thus in car motion. It transmits the power from the driving component to the driven component. While driving, you do not drive at a constant speed or a constant gear. You tend to change the gear of the car and speed as per the requirement. Clutch is used when the motion of the car or transmission has to be controlled or interfered with. The clutch pedal provided in the car (from left to right accelerator, brake, clutch), helps you control the car motion. While shifting between gears you need to press the clutch pedal, and then switch the gear. These clutch pedals usually have a standard setting, but if you face any difficulty in switching between gears or in using the clutch, you might need to make some adjustments with the clutch pedal. You can get this done by a mechanic. However, if you are a kind of person who loves your car and likes fixing such problems himself/herself, you should know how to adjust clutch pedal. To fix the clutch pedal yourself, reading the instructions about clutch pedal adjustment given below will prove helpful to you.

There are two simple methods in general for all clutch pedals.

1st Method:

  1. Place your foot beneath the car’s clutch pedal.
  2. Do not pressurize much, but try lifting the pedal upwards towards the steering. Lift it till it moves up without any force.
  3. Test the shifting of the clutch. The self adjusting clutches in many cars can be adjusted with this simple method.

However, if you are not happy with this method you can opt for a second method.

2nd Method:

  1. Open the door of your car and kneel down besides it. While you kneel down, the dashboards of the car are easily visible to you.
  2. Push the car’s clutch pedal down with the right hand and hold it there.
  3. Locate the assembly that suspends the car’s clutch pedal, over the shaft of the pedal. There is a hook on the assembly.
  4. Holding the car’s clutch pedal downwards with one hand, push this hook upwards with the other hand, till you hear a click. One click would be enough.
  5. Now, release the pedal. Check if it is functioning, and if you still have any problems, you can readjust it. You can opt for the default adjustment of the pedal. For going back to default adjustment, lift the pedal by your toe. Lift it as high as you can. Stop where the pedal does not move any further. This will reset the adjustment of the pedal to default settings.

For some cars, the adjustment of this pedal varies. For example, in ‘five-speed manual transmission’ cars, and to be specific, in Honda Accord, the adjustment of the pedal of the clutch is different. However, it is not very difficult. Reading the instructions given below, you can adjust the pedal easily.

With reference to Honda Accord: Clutch Pedal Adjustment:

  1. If the clutch is not functioning smoothly, you must check the clutch fluid. When you lift the hood of the car, in front of the passenger side, you can see two reservoirs. The second reservoir of the two has clutch fluid. If the clutch fluid in this reservoir is lower than recommended, fill in the reservoir with clutch fluid up to the mark.
  2. Besides filling it, you must also check it for any leakage. If the reservoir leaks, you have to replace the reservoir. Get rid of the air bubbles in the car’s clutch system. While doing so, keep pushing down the clutch pedal.
  3. There is a pedal adjuster just where the pedal and the master cylinder meet. There is an adjusting nut on this adjuster. Turning the nut with a pair of pliers or wrench in clockwise direction, will help you adjust the pedal.
  4. After every turn of this adjuster nut, test the pedal’s functioning, to check if you need further adjustments in the pedal.
  5. Test it for the final time before you wind up everything.

Adjusting the height of the pedal:

Besides this, you can also adjust the pedal’s height. Loosening the adjuster nut, will help you raise the height of the pedal. This is needed if you are not very tall and your foot does not reach the pedal easily. Raising the pedal upwards will help you drive easily. Check for the functioning of the clutch.

Adjusting the pedal of the clutch is easy. The user’s manual provided along with the car, will also provide you information of any particular adjustment for the car. Look out for the user manual if you feel that the adjustments might vary with your car.

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How to Become a Pilot

Flying is a thrilling experience and if you aspire to soar high amidst the clouds, then becoming a pilot is the right choice of career for you. Flying airplanes is a challenging and demanding job but one that can be extremely rewarding in every sense of the word. An ability to think fast, a calm disposition even during critical situations and a passion for machines are some of the attributes that a pilot needs. If you think you have what it takes, read on to plan an exciting career for yourself!

Some other attributes required for a pilot

  • The first and foremost requisite is that the aspirant should be free from any fear of heights and such other phobias.
  • Optimal physical health, excellent vision and good reflexes and co-ordination between the mind and body
  • An abiding sense of responsibility along with a sense of commitment and self confidence
  • Flexible and adaptable nature that is able to cope with erratic time schedules

The first step

Once you have chosen to become a pilot, you would first need to decide the type of aircraft you would prefer to fly as that would determine the criteria for the pilot’s license and certificates. You could choose from helicopters to airplanes and even airships.

In the United States, you need to obtain a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Pilot licenses comprise of several levels and the most basic amongst them is the Private Pilot license. With this license, you are authorized to fly a plane anywhere in that country and also to fly an aircraft that carries passengers. However a private pilot is usually not paid to carry passengers or cargo. In this way a pilot can accumulate enough flying hours in order to qualify for the commercial pilot’s license.

How to obtain the Private Pilot License

  • You need to pass a medical test that assesses your general state of health
  • Need to undergo the requisite instruction from a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
  • You need to clear a written evaluation consisting of 100 multiple choice questions

How expensive is it?

Factors like type of aircraft, your learning aptitude and style along with the location where you train would determine the entire cost. Training in urban areas would be more expensive than rural ones and the approximate cost incurred could be anywhere from $8000 to $10000. This amount which does not have to be paid in one go, is most likely to include flight instructions, charts and books, rentals of the aircraft and even the examiner fees.

What is the time required?

The FAA has stipulated that pilots must achieve a minimum of 40 hours of flying time in order to obtain a Private Pilot license. Of these 20 hrs can be dual i.e. flying along with an instructor and 20 hrs must be solo. However this is almost always stretched to between 60-70 hours. It would be best to schedule 2-3 sessions of two hours each per week. You should also plan ahead and keep margins for bad weather conditions, illness or aircraft refits. On an average if you follow this schedule, it would take you around 6-8 months to obtain your license.

Once you obtain the Private Pilot license you need to work towards accumulating enough flying experience. This is why many new pilots begin by opting to be flight instructors so that they do not have to pay for the flying time themselves.

What would you be required to study?

For a pilot’s license, you will need to gain expertise in the following topics:-

Aerodynamics: understanding how an aircraft rises above the ground and how to control it in the sky

Aircraft systems: thoroughly learn about every aspect of the aircraft and its engines, controls, machinery and how to operate the various instruments.

Navigation: how to get the aircraft to its destination by using radio aids and navigation maps.

Weather: learning to interpret how the weather conditions might influence the flight

Rules and Regulations: In-depth knowledge about the rules that control aviation operations in the National Airspace systems.

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How to Become a Pilot UK

How to become a pilot in UK would be a frequent question in your mind if you have chosen to make your career in aviation. Although difficult, expensive and challenging, the journey to becoming a pilot is not unachievable. But you should be aware of the eligibility criteria and the various stages that you would need to complete before earning your pilot’s license.

Since safety is the most important aspect which lends credibility to the aviation industry, all aspiring pilots must undergo intense and rigorous training, thorough and regular medical exams and keep upgrading and sharpening their skills constantly. It is absolutely essential to keep oneself physically and mentally fit and alert in order to maintain the high standards required of the aviation industry.

The very first step

Pilots don’t necessarily need to be degree holders but it having one may give you a slight competitive edge over the others. The degree could be unrelated to aviation. However this is not mandatory and you can begin your quest to become a pilot by aiming for the Private Pilot License (PPL). You need to join a flight school where you will be given theoretical and practical training.

Eligibility criteria for a Private Pilot License:

  • At least 17 years of age
  • Possess a class 2 medical certificate
  • Complete 45 hours of flight time
  • Pass the written exam consisting of multiple choice questions

The training required to obtain the PPL could cost as much as 3,000 to 3,500 pounds.

The Commercial Pilot’s License

After you get your PPL, you would aim to acquire the Commercial Pilot License (CPL). For this you need to accumulate flying hours and this can be done by working as a flight instructor (but you need to be a certified instructor before you can get hired). You need to have a flying experience of 200 hours after which you would attend a commercial pilot training course. On completion of this course, you would undergo a flight test. Once you clear this, you earn your CPL and are authorized to get paid for flying.

Rating: This is an additional qualification that boosts your employability quotient. There are many kinds of ratings eg:-

Night rating: permits you to fly an aircraft at night

Multi Engine rating: Allows you to fly an aircraft having multiple engines.

Instrumentation rating: Allows you to fly even in cloudy and turbulent weather conditions

Instructor rating: Authorizes you to impart pilot’s training and give flying lessons

The Multi Crew Coordination Course

This is also an add on qualification consisting of a week long course that sharpens your coordination and communication skills to enable you to smoothly fly alongside other aircraft. This course needs mandatory attendance before you can apply for a job.

Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

This is the final step to achieving your ambition. You need to have obtained all the essential ratings and accumulated up to 1000-1500 hours of flying time in order to qualify for this license. With this license you are eligible to be hired by the major airlines. However certain regional airlines do hire pilots who have not yet earned the ATPL. They use that time to gain the required experience and then upgrade to obtaining the ATPL.

Once you are hired by an airline, you will begin at the designation of first officer and within a span of a few months get promoted to the position of senior first officer. With more experience, in due course of time, you will fulfil your dream and proudly command the aircraft as Captain.

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How to Become a Pilot in India

Becoming a pilot in India today would be one of the most coveted dreams for many a young aspirant. The aviation industry is booming and expects a further growth of 25 % in the next few years. The demand for pilots is almost four times greater than the supply making this career option an extremely lucrative one.

As is the case everywhere else, you would need to clear several stages before earning the commercial pilot’s license. However it would be a good idea to first take a look at the eligibility criteria to pursue the career of a pilot.

What you need

  • You need to be a minimum of 17 years of age and maximum 30 yrs for the commercial license
  • Need to have cleared the 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with at least 50% marks. However for a student pilot license you only need to have passed only the std 10 exam
  • You need to be a minimum of 5 feet tall and have an eye sight of 6/6

Attributes required for becoming a pilot

  • Should have no fear of heights
  • Excellent motor and mind coordination
  • Calm and composed disposition
  • Ability to handle crisis situations in a mature manner

You will take the very first step towards accomplishing your dream by joining a flying club recognized by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation which is the body that supervises all matters related to aviation including licensing of personnel.

Medical Exam

But before acquiring a private pilot license (PPL) you need to clear a thorough and intensive medical exam at one of the prescribed medical centers. You need to clear another medical exam after you obtain your private pilot license but before you earn the commercial license.

Types of license

There are 3 types of licenses that correspond to 3 levels of training. They are:-

  • Student’s Pilot License
  • Private Pilot License
  • Commercial Pilot License

The Student’s Pilot License: This is the very first stage where you would have to undergo a test that evaluates basic maths skills, knowledge of aircraft engines and basic principles of aviation. You need to score a minimum of 75/100. The test is conducted at one of the 23 flying clubs in India and you are eligible to take the test at 16. If you clear it, you can attend a course at the end of which you will be awarded a student’s pilot license. This course costs around INR 100,000.

Private Pilot License: This comprises the second stage of training and lasts for around 2 years. During this time you will undergo several practical and theory assessments. You will learn about aircraft engines, aviation meteorology, air navigation among other aspects of flying. For the practical part of the training you will accumulate 60 hours of flight time out of which you will fly 40 hours with an instructor and the remaining 20 hours would consist of solo flights. This course costs around INR 2,00,000 to 5,00,000 and upon its culmination, you will obtain the private pilot license which does not entitle you to fly commercial planes.

Commercial Pilot License

This is the third and final stage and also comprises of theory and practical aspects of flying. The theory subjects would delve into Air traffic regulations, Communications in radio and wireless transmission and aviation meteorology. At this stage you will need to build an additional experience of 200 hours of solo flight time and the course usually extends up to one year. You would need to clear another medical fitness exam within 3 years of accumulating the flying experience. The entire course could cost between INR 8,00,000 to 15,00,000 at the culmination of which you would be authorized to fly for airlines, private aircraft and cargo carriers but in the capacity of a junior trainee officer. An experience of around 6 months as trainee pilot would entitle you to work with any airline as a co-pilot.

You would also need to upgrade your knowledge about flying multi engine aircraft. This is a 3 week course and is quite expensive at INR 2.5 lakhs.

Total cost

Therefore it is easily evident that the entire cost of earning your commercial pilot’s license can go as high as INR 20,00,000. However you can avail of bank loans which cover up to 50% of the entire amount and charge an interest of approximately 13%. Once you earn your pilot’s stripes, there is no looking back and with the current boom in the aviation industry, the salaries are phenomenal and you would easily be able to repay the loan taken

The Salary

The salary would naturally depend on your level and experience. As a fresher trainee pilot, you would start off with a pay of Rs 15,000 – 20,000 per month. Then there is a sudden hike in pay at every level

  • First officer (junior) Rs 100,000
  • Senior first officer – Rs 1,80,000
  • Captain or Commander of the airline – Rs 3,00,000 to 4,00,000 and above per month.
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How to Become a Pilot in Canada

As is the case elsewhere, becoming a pilot in Canada is a long, challenging and thrilling procedure. Your determination and passion will see you through this arduous course which will mark the beginning of a rewarding and fulfilling career. The course is marked by milestones on the completion of which you will earn a license. As you increase your experience, you will upgrade to the next license which will open newer avenues for you. Let us take a closer look at the series of licenses required for an aspiring pilot in Canada.

Types of licenses required to fly a plane in Canada

There are 3 licenses and one permit that you can hold as a pilot in Canada.

  • Recreational Pilot Permit: This permit is recognised only in Canada and it allows you to fly with your family and friends on fun excursions. It has limited scope only.
  • Private Pilot’s license: This is a recognised license and its validity extends all over the world. This license too allows you to fly a plane for non commercial purposes. You need a flying experience of around 40-50 hours to qualify for this license.
  • Commercial Pilot’s License: This license is recognised all over the world and you are entitled to be paid to fly. You can be employed even in jet airlines ferrying passengers but not as Captain. A flying time of 200 – 250 hours and clearing a written and flight exam are the criteria to qualify for a commercial pilot’s license.
  • Airline Transport Pilot’s license: This is the highest level that can be attained and authorizes you to fly as Captain with any major airline. This license is valid and recognised all over the world. For this, you need to have gathered an experience of 1500 hours of flying time before you can attempt the written exam.

What are Ratings?

Ratings are like additional features that add value to your license. A license without ratings would lose out to the keen competition that there is in this field. They greatly enhance your job prospects and add scope to your license. Following are some types of ratings that can be added to pilot’s licenses in Canada.

  • Night Rating: You need this rating to be permitted to fly an aircraft at night.
  • Multi Engine Rating: With this rating you are permitted to fly an aircraft having more than one engine
  • Instrument Rating: This one qualifies you to fly in cloudy and turbulent weather conditions
  • Float Rating: With this, you would be allowed to take off and land an airplane on water. The aircraft will have to be equipped with floats
  • Instructor Rating: This rating qualifies you to conduct flying lessons and train others to fly an aircraft. However you need at least a commercial license to be eligible for the instructor rating

The Medical Exam

Although you are allowed to begin your training before doing the medicals, it is recommended that you clear it at the starting itself. That way, you will know whether or not you are medically fit to fly before you spend a huge some on flight training.

Most people who are generally fit overall don’t find it a problem to clear the medicals. Vision need not be an issue as long as you can correct it using spectacles or contact lenses. It’s only if you are color blind or have any problems with perception of depth that it may render you unfit for flying. Heart problems, diabetes and mental disorders are other reasons for failing the medical exam.

The medical cannot be conducted by your family doctor but by a specially certified doctor qualified to conduct Pilot Medical exams. For a private pilot license you need to clear a class 3 medical exam while for a commercial pilot license you should pass a class 1 medical exam. The exam has to be periodically repeated according to the level of license you hold.

The Training process

For the very first level, you need to enrol for ground school classes once a week which would cost you around $500. Along with this, you would also start with your flight lessons which are of duration of 1 or two hours each. You would begin by training with an instructor but eventually you would have to fly the plane yourself with the instructor only monitoring you from the ground. It is best to plan 2-3 flying lessons every week.

This is how a typical traditional school program would run. You would then graduate to a commercial license and be able to earn the add on ratings as well. Other than this there are college school courses which are expensive but do not necessarily have an advantage over the other kind of school.

Hence it would be best to make an informed choice and opt for the training that suits you best. Bon voyage for a wonderful career that awaits you!

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How to Become a Navy Pilot

Naval aviation or a career as a navy pilot is a promising and challenging one. If you have dreamt of serving in the navy as a pilot, be prepared to face all challenges that come your way with determination, passion and nerves of steel. We describe here what it takes to be a pilot in the navy and how you can pursue your dream of becoming one.

Eligibility criteria to become a navy pilot

The first and foremost criterion for any naval officer is that he/she should be a graduate as per the stipulations of the US Navy. In addition you would also have to pass all the physical and medical tests along with undergoing some tough stages of training.

In a nutshell, an aspirant for the post of navy pilot should:-

  • Be a citizen of the country you want to serve
  • Enlist in the Navy
  • Be between 19 to 27 years of age (some active duty experience could enable you to be considered for a waiver)
  • Score high on the ASTB (Aviation selection test battery)
  • Have a 20/40 vision which is correctable to 20/20. Must not suffer from color blindness or any problem of depth perception.
  • Be in optimal health and bear a good moral character

Even if you qualify the above conditions, you should still rethink before making a final decision about whether you want to be a pilot in the Navy or in the Air Force as both are very distinct services with separate job profiles. Once you have finalized your decision about opting for the career of a Navy Pilot, you need to apply to an officer candidate school in order to get commissioned. However you must remember that you need to be a graduate before you get to wear your officers’ stripes.

Applying for the officer program

Officer programs often involve keen competition and only a few applications are shortlisted and fewer still are selected. A good academic record and active participation in sports and in community service will earn you some bonus points.  In the US, you can apply to the following institutes for the officer program:-

  • The United States Naval Academy
  • Navy (ROTC)
  • Officer Candidate School (OCS)

The Navy Academy program is of duration of 4 years consisting of both academics and physical training.

ASTB

After you graduate from the Naval Academy, there is still a long way to go before you achieve your ambition of becoming a Navy pilot. The next hurdle is to clear the Aviation Selection Test Battery which is a challenging test that assesses your skills in mathematics, your aptitude for aviation and also your sea worthiness. Your performance in this test will decide whether or not you are fit to fly a plane.

Once you have successfully cleared the ASTB, you need to accumulate more than 25 hours of training from a certified flight instructor. It is also mandatory for you to make a minimum of 3 solo flights out of which one is a cross country trip. If you already have a pilot license, you need not go through this step.

The final step

By the time you reach this stage, you would have come close to fulfilling your ambition. Now, you need to apply to your local Navy Flight School where you will complete the remainder of your course which comprises of lectures and physical training. This is also known as air indoctrination course and culminates in intermediate flight training where you may be asked to choose the aircraft you wish to fly.

You would then go on to finish your advanced naval flight training and earn the designation of Navy pilot by being awarded the “wings of gold”. This would make you eligible to receive the final aircraft specific specialized training. Now there’s no looking back as you embark on a demanding, exciting and rewarding career and fulfil your dream of serving the nation.

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How to Become a Jet Pilot

A career as a jet pilot is a thrilling ambition to have but one that would require immense dedication, determination and financial backing as well. You cannot become a jet pilot in one go and there are many milestones that you need to successfully cross before you can achieve your dream.

It also comes with its share of uncertainties as the demand for pilots depends directly on the economy. During economic crisis or recession, fewer people travel by air, leading to many airlines drastically streamlining their work force. This results in intense competition and many pilots find themselves out of work. However when the economy is booming, the reverse is true and the demand for pilots increases and so does the amount on their pay checks.

You would need to have sufficient experience in flying smaller and slower planes before getting an opportunity to fly a jet aircraft. This is the reason why even military pilots usually begin by flying single engine planes before training on jet aircraft as the latter are too fast and complex for an inexperienced pilot to attempt to fly.

What is Flight Time?

Flight time is the actual number of hours that a pilot has flown an aircraft. A pilot’s experience can only be measured in flight time. For a private pilot’s license, only 40-50 hours of flying time is required whereas a commercial license requires around 250 hours. However in order to fly passenger airlines and jet aircrafts, you would need a whopping 1500 hours of flying experience. In fact this is the minimum stipulated flight time in order to earn an Airline Transport Pilot rating. The best way to accumulate flying time is by offering one’s services as flight instructor. However, this too requires you to have obtained a Certified Instructor Rating from the FAA.

What are the physical requisites?

A first class physical rating is required for all professional pilots and this has to be renewed every six months. Medical conditions like color blindness, diabetes, heart disease and even psychological ailments like bipolar, schizophrenia and depression would prevent one from being able to get a first class rating in the physical examination. There are also some stringent tests for vision which need to be cleared by every aspiring pilot.

A step by step guide to becoming a jet pilot

  • Training Program: A formal training program that teaches the principles of flying and clearly explains about the instruments and consoles in the cockpit. Aviation rules and regulations and the methods of electronic communication are also taught during this intensive course
  • Commercial Pilot License: After obtaining your private pilot license, you need to earn a commercial license for which you need a flying experience of 250 hours.
  • Airline Transport Rating: However it is only after accumulating a flight time of 1500 hours are you entitled to obtain the airline transport rating. It is this rating that authorizes you to be employed as a pilot with a passenger airline and to fly jet aircraft.

Now that you are aware of exactly how to go about accomplishing your aim of becoming a jet pilot, you can plan ahead, work hard and be ready to take flight and watch some golden opportunities come your way.

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How to Become a Helicopter Pilot

Flying helicopters can be a thrilling and liberating experience. However flying an airplane and flying a helicopter are two distinct professions, with both needing a lot of commitment and hard work. Helicopters are required in the military, during rescue operations and by media agencies. To become a military helicopter, you have to first join the Armed Forces and then follow the path that is charted out for you by the military. Here we have mainly discussed about a commercial helicopter pilot’s career.

Eligibility to begin Helicopter training

You need to be a minimum of 16 years of age for a student license

You must have good written and oral communication skills in English

At least a third class medical certificate form a certified FAA medical examiner, who is not your family doctor. Besides your general health and fitness, other faculties like vision and hearing will also be tested. It is important not to be color blind and essential that your vision can be corrected with the use of lenses.

Once you pass the eligibility criteria, you should begin at the very first rung which is – working towards obtaining your first license: private pilot helicopter license. This license authorizes you to fly a chopper anywhere and anytime but you won’t be paid for it. In order to get a private pilot license, you have to accumulate about 60 hours of helicopter flying time out of which at least 10 hours must be solo and 30-50 should be dual.

There is also a written, oral and a flight test that you need to clear for a private helicopter license. To go on to the next step where you will become a commercial helicopter pilot and get paid for flying, you need to obtain the commercial rotorcraft license which requires you to have 150 hours of helicopter flying time.

The cost entailed

You may need anything from $10000 – $ 15000 just to get your Private Pilot license as you will be spending approximately $200 per hour of flight time that includes the services of an instructor. To progress to the next level and obtain the commercial pilot license, it will cost you another $18000 to $20000.

Flight Instructor training

For almost all of the initial pilot jobs, the pilot needs to have accumulated 1000+  hours of helicopter flight. An economical way to achieve that target is by working as a flight instructor. They need around 200 hours when they begin working as instructors. Once they complete 200 hours, they can earn their Certified Trainer Instructor Rating. In all aspiring helicopter pilots will need to invest up to $ 40000 -$50000 dollars to get to this point.

It would also be advisable to obtain your instrument instructor certificate (CFII) as it will enhance your chances in the job market which can be quite competitive. Many opt for this rating after completing the CFI as they need to accumulate hours in order to get their commercial license.

Careers as a Helicopter Pilot

There are a myriad opportunities for a helicopter pilot, spanning several industries and locations. Some career options include fire fighting, search and rescue, VIP transport, utility support, law and order enforcement, media agencies, emergency medical services. With such a vast plethora of choice, the career of a helicopter pilot would certainly be one that is stimulating, fulfilling and rewarding.

The remuneration: The salary would greatly depend on your qualifications, experience and industry that you work in. However you can rest assured that the pay scale is attractive and on the rise since the demand for helicopter pilots is ever increasing.

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How to Become a Fighter Pilot

Some people are born for adventure and love the thrill of leading a life full of risks and uncertainties. Ideals like honour, patriotism and friendship are their clarion call and they would willingly put their lives at stake to defend them. If you believe that you fit into this description, then probably a career as a fighter pilot is one that you should seriously consider. However it is a profession that can be very stressful both mentally and physically and not everyone is able to take the rigours of this kind of life. Read on to find out if you have what it takes to be a fighter pilot.

How to Begin

The very first step towards becoming a fighter pilot is to join the Air Force or the Navy as it is only these two services in the US that makes use of combat aircraft. It would be important to note that the upper age limit to apply for fighter pilot training is 28.5 years and ideally the applicant must complete training by the 30th birthday.

The basic requirement for all aspiring pilots in the Air force and Navy is that they need to be commissioned officers, which also means that they have to be college graduates. After completion of graduation, you need to apply for admission into the officer cadre. For this you would have to successfully meet the stipulated physical, intellectual and psychological tests that are deemed to be necessary traits in an officer. You would first need to fill out a detailed application which would almost be a description of your life so far. It would be in your best interests not to conceal or lie about any adverse records as your bio data will be verified by the FBI. If the FBI finds any false records or discrepancies you will be immediately disqualified.

You will also be administered a SAT (scholastic Aptitude Test) which is a blend of knowledge and psychological questions designed to test your grit and endurance levels, motivation, initiative and aggressiveness. They are looking for strong people who won’t buckle under pressure and those who are team players. Once you clear the SAT, you would have to undergo a thorough and tough physical examination. You would have to meet the high standards for fitness and also for clarity of vision.

Officer Training

Once you have cleared the initial round of tests you would attend officer training school where you would get basic training along with those enlisted in ranks. Here too, the emphasis is as much on academics as physical and mental endurance training as one of the intentions of the course is to eliminate those who are not able to tolerate the high levels of stress and pressure. On completion of this program, you would get commissioned through the Air Force Academy, the Officer Training School or the Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Flight School

On obtaining your commission you will be ready to join flight school. Although you would be an officer, you would still continue to be a student as you have yet to earn your credential as a pilot. This program, which spans 1year, consists of learning about the various topics about aviation and its principles, aeronautical theories along with lessons in flying – both simulated and actual. Throughout the duration of the program, you will be continuously assessed and graded and those who rank among the topmost will get the best planes. Hence it is important to study hard so that you get to fly the plane of your choice. At the end of this course, you will be awarded your pilot’s wings.

Advanced Fighter Pilot training

This phase of training begins with training in a wilderness survival school where you have to learn to fend for yourself and manage to survive in the deepest wilderness. You will even be taught about which bugs, roots and leaves are edible should such a situation ever befall you. In the next stage you will be mock “captured” as a prisoner of war and would have to undergo the same treatment as a real enemy might inflict on you.

Finally at the end of these long and arduous tests, you get to complete your training in the combat aircraft of your choice. This marks the realization of your dream as you proudly join one of the most prestigious and coveted leagues of the Air Force.

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How to Become a Commercial Pilot

If the vast open skies beckon you and you dream of being one with the clouds, flying is the career for you. There are many ways to fulfil your ambition of becoming a commercial pilot. The type of aircraft you want to fly will determine the kind of commercial flying license you obtain as there is an entire range of flying licenses. However, before qualifying for a commercial flying license, you need to have a Private Pilot License. It’s only after you have gathered sufficient flying hours that you can apply for a commercial pilot license. In the U.S, only a commercial pilot is entitled to be paid for flying an aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration has laid down certain stipulations that you would need to meet before qualifying for a commercial pilot’s license:-

  • At least 18 years old
  • Excellent communications skills in English – written and spoken
  • A Private Pilot license from the FAA
  • Aviation experience in sync with the type of work and aircraft sought
  • Cleared the practical flying and knowledge test

Types of Commercial Pilot

Before delving further about how to become a commercial pilot, it would be interesting to familiarize yourself with the various options you have as a commercial pilot and the types of aircraft you can fly. There are two kinds of aircraft – small planes and jets. These in turn diverge into a range of specialized services – like Air Ambulance, Coastal Surveillance, Agricultural Spraying, Charter Pilot, Survey Pilot, Search and Rescue Pilot and Flying Instructor.

The options available

There are various means by which you can go about achieving your aim of becoming a commercial pilot. One method is to join a flying school that first trains you to obtain your private pilot licence which is a mandatory requisite to be met before you can try for your commercial pilot’s license. Once you earn your private pilot license, most flying schools offer continued training to get commercial flying licenses for smaller aircraft that are motored by the propeller. However if you wish to opt for jets and commercial liners, you would have to attend a specialized institute that offers this kind of training. Even after you complete this training, most airline companies make it compulsory for you to attend their own flight training school.

Another way which involves no cost from your side, where you can actually be paid while learning to fly is to join the Air Force. However you will have to sign a bond that you will not leave before serving in the military for a stipulated number of years. After serving your tenure in the Air Force, your experience and the type of aircraft you have flown will determine whether or not you will directly be given the opportunity to fly a commercial carrier. Some additional training in the specialized airline schools will enable you to get hired by an airline company.

Another recourse is to head for foreign shores. More and more people prefer air travel nowadays and hence the demand for pilots is ever increasing in many small countries which do not as yet have a flourishing aviation industry. The airline services of these countries are looking to hire trained pilots with a basic commercial license. You can get added experience with them which will also help you to pay for the rest of your training.

How long does the training take?

The duration of the entire training program for a commercial pilot is 250 days. After the completion of the first 190 days, the trainee will obtain the private pilot’s license and will earn the commercial license after the remaining 60 days.

The remuneration

Your salary would depend on the type of aircraft you fly. Jet pilots that fly commercial airlines can earn upto $100,000 a year while flight instructors would make around $80,000. Pilots of propeller aircraft usually earn a lower salary since you have just begun your career. With the accumulation of more experience, good fitness levels and by updating your qualification you can scale greater heights of success. Then the sky would be your limit- literally!

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