How to become a Pilot in Alaska?

Aviationfly is getting a lot of inquiries as to how to become a Pilot in Alaska. Hence, we have created this guide to assist you by providing information on how you can become a Pilot in Alaska.

It is important to note at this point that flight schools in Alaska, or generally in the entire USA, follow a set of regulations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) known as the Part 61 and Part 141 flight schools. 

Part 61 refers to the regulations set forth for instructors, whether ground or flight instructors. While Part 141 refers to the regulations set forth for flight schools which includes the curriculum for pilot training. The difference among these two (2) regulations is in terms of flexibility, training, time, and cost. With Part 61 there’s no fixed curriculum hence you can do flight training at your own pace while Part 141 provides for a set of structured curriculum and is time-bound. Moreover, Part 61 requires more flight hours to be able to obtain pilot licenses compared to Part 141 flight schools. Hence, the cost is usually cheaper for Part 141 flight schools.

Step 1. Training Options in Alaska

You have to check what pilot training courses or programs are being offered in Alaska and if it suits you and will help you towards achieving your dream pilot license.

  • Flight School

There are approximately 7 flight schools in Alaska, USA that offer different pilot training programs that you can choose from. It is important that you create a list of your preferred flight school/s so you can compare which is fitting for you. Each school has its own procedures, enrollment requirements, and depending on which pilot training courses you decide to take, the tuition fee also varies. 

  • Aviation-related college degree program

However, if you’re interested in obtaining a college degree accompanied with flight training, you should consider aviation-related college degree programs which are offered in a University. These programs allow students to combine a college degree with flight training. With this kind of program, you will earn a college degree together with a pilot license such as Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in most cases. This will give you the opportunity to have the best of both worlds.

  • Pilot Pathway Program

Meanwhile, if your greatest childhood dream is to become an airline pilot, you should consider Airline Pilot Pathway Program. Most major airlines in the United States have Pilot Pathway Program, otherwise known as Cadet Pilot Program, with one of their accredited/partner colleges or universities. With this program, you will obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. 

Pilot Pathway Program is an ab initio program designed for aspiring pilots, who have little to no flying experience, if eligible, to start their pilot training with an airline and its partner school after which, upon accomplishment of the whole duration of pilot training including the required flight hours and having passed all the necessary exams, will be employed or will be guaranteed an interview for a First Officer position and will have to work for a certain number of years with the airline before allowed to apply in another airline or pursue other pilot career path. 

To learn more about this, please visit the How to Become a Pilot page of Aviationfly where you will see Pilot Pathway Programs of airlines in the United States including an overview of the program, minimum requirements, and other relevant information.

Pea Ads

Step 2. Basic Requirements

  • What is the minimum age to become a pilot in Alaska?

You need to be at least 17 years old to start your pilot training in Alaska.

  • What do I need to do to start pilot training in Alaska?

In order to start your pilot training, you will need to secure a medical certificate. The best way to do this is to speak with the flight school you would like to enroll in and they will help arrange it for you. Please note that medical certificates can only be secured through a medical examiner authorized by the regulator. So it’s best to speak with schools first as they will refer or connect you to the right person.

  • What are the minimum educational requirements to become a pilot in Alaska?

Potential students must be at least a high school graduate.

  • What level of English do I need to become a pilot in Alaska?

Since the language of aviation internationally is English, it is recommended to have at least a level 4 English standard before receiving your pilot license. If you are looking to improve your English, you can send us a message and we will give you tips on what courses to take. You may also take a look at our YouTube video discussing the levels of Aviation English.

Quality Fly

Step 3. Pilot Training Stages

In general, assuming that you want to have an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate, there are six (6) different pilot training stages in which you need to complete. Training stages that you would have to undergo depends on what pilot license you want to achieve. The stages of pilot training are as follows:

  • Student Pilot License (SPL)

The first pilot license you will need to obtain is a student pilot license. This license allows you to start your flight training.  This is the first stage on how to become a Pilot in the USA. For you to get a Student Pilot License, you must be at least 16 years old; holds a current FAA medical certificate, and; be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.

  • Private Pilot License (PPL)

The private pilot license will allow you to fly solo, passengers, or cargo but without monetary compensation.  For you to get a Private Pilot License, you must be at least 17 years old; holds a current FAA medical certificate; holds a Student Pilot Certificate; be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language; and

A. For an airplane single-engine rating, must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training and the training must include at least:

(1) 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane;

(2) 3 hours of night flight training in a single-engine airplane that includes:

(i) One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and

(ii) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.

(3) 3 hours of flight training in a single-engine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight;

(4) 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in a single-engine airplane in preparation for the practical test, which must have been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test; and

(5) 10 hours of solo flight time in a single-engine airplane, consisting of at least:

(i) 5 hours of solo cross-country time;

(ii) One solo cross country flight of 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and

(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

B. For an airplane multiengine rating, must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training and the training must include at least:

(1) 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a multiengine airplane;

(2) 3 hours of night flight training in a multiengine airplane that includes:

(i) One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and

(ii) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.

(3) 3 hours of flight training in a multiengine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight;

(4) 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in a multiengine airplane in preparation for the practical test, which must have been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test; and

(5) 10 hours of solo flight time in an airplane consisting of at least—

(i) 5 hours of solo cross-country time;

(ii) One solo cross country flight of 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and

(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

 

  • Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

To start earning from flying, you will need to obtain a commercial pilot license. This license allows you to become a paid professional pilot. For you to get a Commercial Pilot License, you must be at least 18 years old; holds a current FAA medical certificate; holds a Private Pilot Certificate; be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language; and

(A) For an airplane single-engine rating, must log at least at least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of at least:

(1) 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes.

(2) 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least:

(i) 50 hours in airplanes; and

(ii) 50 hours in cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.

(3) 20 hours of training on the areas of operation that includes at least:

(i) Ten hours of instrument training using a view-limiting device including attitude instrument flying, partial panel skills, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, and intercepting and tracking navigational systems. Five hours of the 10 hours required on instrument training must be in a single engine airplane;

(ii) 10 hours of training in a complex airplane, a turbine-powered airplane, or a technically advanced airplane (TAA) that meets the requirements or any combination thereof. The airplane must be appropriate to land or sea for the rating sought;

(iii) One 2-hour cross country flight in a single engine airplane in daytime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure;

(iv) One 2-hour cross country flight in a single engine airplane in nighttime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and

(v) Three hours in a single-engine airplane with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.

(4) Ten hours of solo flight time in a single engine airplane or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of pilot in command in a single engine airplane with an authorized instructor on board (either of which may be credited towards the flight time requirement, on the areas of operation that include:

(i) One cross-country flight of not less than 300 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original departure point. However, if this requirement is being met in Hawaii, the longest segment need only have a straight-line distance of at least 150 nautical miles; and

(ii) 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

(B) For an airplane multiengine rating, must log at least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of at least:

(1) 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes;

(2) 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least:

(i) 50 hours in airplanes; and

(ii) 50 hours in cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.

(3) 20 hours of training on the areas of operation that includes at least:

(i) Ten hours of instrument training using a view-limiting device including attitude instrument flying, partial panel skills, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, and intercepting and tracking navigational systems. Five hours of the 10 hours required on instrument training must be in a multiengine airplane;

(ii) 10 hours of training in a multiengine complex or turbine-powered airplane; or for an applicant seeking a multiengine seaplane rating, 10 hours of training in a multiengine seaplane that has flaps and a controllable pitch propeller, including seaplanes equipped with an engine control system consisting of a digital computer and associated accessories for controlling the engine and propeller, such as a full authority digital engine control;

(iii) One 2-hour cross country flight in a multiengine airplane in daytime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure;

(iv) One 2-hour cross country flight in a multiengine airplane in nighttime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and

(v) Three hours in a multiengine airplane with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.

(4) 10 hours of solo flight time in a multiengine airplane or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of pilot in command in a multiengine airplane with an authorized instructor (either of which may be credited towards the flight time requirement, on the areas of operation that includes at least:

(i) One cross-country flight of not less than 300 nautical miles total distance with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original departure point. However, if this requirement is being met in Hawaii, the longest segment need only have a straight-line distance of at least 150 nautical miles; and

(ii) 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a flight with a traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

 

  • Instrument Rating (IR)

Being instrument-rated means that you can fly the aircraft in any weather condition (for example low or zero visibility) using just the instruments. Flight schools offer Instrument Rating along with their commercial pilot training. But this can also be obtained separately.

 

  • Multi-Engine Rating (MER)

The multi-engine rating will allow you to fly multi-engine aircraft. Flight schools offer Multi-Engine Rating along with their private pilot training and commercial pilot training. But this can also be obtained separately.
If you have any questions so far, feel free to use the chat messenger to send us a message. 

 

  • Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate

Is the highest level of Aircraft Pilot Certificate that allows you to act as pilot in command on scheduled air carriers. For you to get an Airline Transport Pilot License, you must be at least 21 years old; holds a current FAA medical certificate; holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate; be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language; and must log at least 1,500 hours of total time as a pilot that includes at least:

(1) 500 hours of cross-country flight time.

(2) 100 hours of night flight time.

(3) 50 hours of flight time in the class of airplane for the rating sought. A maximum of 25 hours of training in a full flight simulator representing the class of airplane for the rating sought may be credited toward the flight time requirement of this paragraph if the training was accomplished as part of an approved training course. A flight training device or aviation training device may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

(4) 75 hours of instrument flight time, in actual or simulated instrument conditions, subject to the following:

(i) An applicant may not receive credit for more than a total of 25 hours of simulated instrument time in a full flight simulator or flight training device.

(ii) A maximum of 50 hours of training in a full flight simulator or flight training device may be credited toward the instrument flight time requirements if the training was accomplished in a course conducted by a certified training center.

(iii) Training in a full flight simulator or flight training device must be accomplished in a full flight simulator or flight training device, representing an airplane.

(5) 250 hours of flight time in an airplane as a pilot in command, or when serving as a required second in command flightcrew member performing the duties of pilot in command while under the supervision of a pilot in command, or any combination thereof, which includes at least:

(i) 100 hours of cross-country flight time; and

(ii) 25 hours of night flight time.

(6) Not more than 100 hours of the total aeronautical experience requirements may be obtained in a full flight simulator or flight training device provided the device represents an airplane and the aeronautical experience was accomplished as part of an approved training course.

 

All information herein is based on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations.

Aeroguard Ads

Step 4. Choose a Flight School

After doing your research on the type of license you would like to obtain, the next step is to choose which flight school is the most suitable for your budget.

It is important to note that becoming a pilot requires a certain budget. Your flight training cost depends on the country you do your training, the flight school you pick, and a number of other factors.

Airways Ads

Step 5. Career Options

Many aspiring pilots have a defined career path they would like to pursue, while others don’t.

Below is a list of options for what you can potentially do with a pilot license.

  • Airline pilot for large airlines or smaller regional ones
  • Corporate or business aviation pilot
  • Cargo pilot
  • Charter / Air taxi pilot
  • Flight instructor
  • Medical/ Air ambulance pilots
  • Agricultural pilot and many more options
Pea Ads

Tips in choosing a flight school

Tip 1. Decide on your pilot goals

Firstly, ask yourself – what are your long-term aspirations in aviation? Do you want to become a pilot in your free time (Private Pilot License)? Or do you want to fly in General Aviation (Commercial Pilot License)? Do you want to become an airline pilot through an airline pilot cadet program? Additionally, which airlines are currently hiring? What type of aircraft will be utilized by airlines in the next few years? Which flight schools do the airlines usually hire from? Best to ask flight schools if they have partnerships with airlines. These are critical questions you should list and get answers to when asking yourself “how will I become a Pilot”.

Tip 2. Determine how much you can afford to spend

Secondly, different flight schools have different costs (due to location, number of students, aircraft type and several other factors), find out the reasons for the price difference. Moreover, do these programs have financial assistance/loan programs? Might a part-time program work for you?

Tip 3. Determine how much free time you have

Each flight training school has its own training schedules with some offering flexibility while others want the cadets to train full time and on campus. Note that delaying flight training usually increases your training costs.

Tip 4. Find out what type of aircraft the flight school uses and information about its aircraft maintenance center

This is important from a training point of view, but even more importantly, from a safety aspect. Furthermore, you should also take into consideration the equipment preference of airlines. Aircraft age does not always relate to safety, this is dependent on the aircraft maintenance – ask the flight school in detail about their aircraft maintenance department and safety features of the aircraft.

Tip 5. Visit your shortlist of flight schools

Finally, when possible, speak to the instructors and flight school management teams to learn about the training, safety policies, history, and graduates of the flight school.

Do you still have questions? Send us a message!

You can also check out How to become a Pilot in the other US States by navigating on our platform or simply just reach out to our team through chat.

 

Good luck, future Pilot! 

Pea Ads