Michael Hsu, born and raised in California, holds a pilot’s license and enjoys solo flying whenever he gets the chance. California is a pilot’s paradise with miles of endless coastline, incredible weather all year long, and a changing terrain unique only to the West Coast.
Suppose you’re considering learning how to fly an airplane. In that case, Michael Hsu suggests starting with your student license and private pilot’s license, which is necessary before entering any other type of pilot training. But, after that, there are several advanced flying options that an experienced pilot can pursue.
Types of Pilot Licenses to Strive For
Sport Pilot
There is a new type of aircraft that is called light-sport aircraft. These small, ultra-light aircraft glide through the air, typically propelled by the wind. These simple, low-performance airplanes run on little energy and are limited to 1,320 pounds maximum weight.
If you’re interested in having a lot of fun in the air, flying gliders, powered parachutes, hot-air balloons, or hang-gliders, then a sports pilot license is for you.
Recreational Pilot
Recreational pilots may only fly aircraft of up to 180 horsepower (130 kW) with four daytime seats for pleasure. So, while you’re not making money transporting passengers like a private pilot can, you can get this license faster, with only 30 hours of training compared to the 40 hours needed for the private pilot’s license.
Michael Hsu suggests this recreational pilot’s license for those who only want to fly for fun and must typically fly from their “home airport” during the day and with only one additional passenger.
Commercial Pilot
When you’re ready to make a career out of flying, the commercial pilot license is the way to go, says Michael Hsu. Commercial pilots not only work for airlines flying passengers, but they can also make money performing aerial surveys, transporting cargo, and search and rescue operations.
Commercial pilots make an excellent salary after satisfying many FAA qualifications along with aeronautical requirements like ‘total flight time,’ ‘pilot-in-charge hours,’ and instrument training.
You must also pass specific health requirements to be a commercial pilot. These may include the minimum standards of vision, hearing, equilibrium, mental, neurologic, and cardiovascular.
Airline Transport Pilot
According to Michael Hsu, an airline transport pilot or ATP is the final milestone of flying achievement. This high-level certificate marks a substantial achievement and may be required by companies that hire commercial pilots. With this flying certification, pilots can launch their businesses as corporate or private carriers.
The requirements and training for airline transport pilots can seem daunting, but this training is usually gained over an extended period. According to Michael Hsu, if you want to be considered a top-tier pilot, then getting your ATP is the best avenue.
From student pilot to private pilot to commercial pilot, the journey of flying larger and faster aircraft can be exciting and very rewarding. And it’s a career path that can sometimes be traveled while making money to support your family or lifestyle.