My Flying News

Below, I list the do’s and don’ts for kids who want to become pilots. Things I wish I knew when I was younger, before I was a pilot.

You don’t have to be great at math to be a pilot.

No, pilots do not have to be great at math. Like society, some pilots are great at math, and others could be better. 

At some point, my parents and grandparents told me I had to be good at math to be a pilot, which discouraged me greatly. I thought that I couldn’t be a pilot. I am sure their intention was not to discourage me but to just get me to do my math homework.

Kids, don’t be discouraged. If math is not your best subject, don’t worry; you can still fly. You will need some basic math skills and have to “ballpark” numbers in your head. For example, planning descents is a typical thing pilots have to do. Descent planning is easy to learn.

You don’t need perfect grades to be a pilot.

Getting good grades is excellent. As a parent, I recommend being a good student. The better you do in school, the easier your life will be.

That said, I could have been a better student. I always thought I was working too hard if I got a grade above a “C.”

You don’t have to have a degree to be a pilot.

To be a pilot, you need to learn how to fly. You can learn to fly at a local airport, a trade school, and aviation universities.

Although most carriers prefer that you have a degree, most do not require it. If you and your parents have the finances to attend a four-year university with an aerospace program, go for it. To name a few, UND, Embry Riddle, and Purdue have very reputable aviation programs. Having a degree will make your career progress faster in most cases.

If you have less money and have to build your ratings step-by-step, that is also possible. Focus on the pilot ratings and not the degree. Some trade schools and even local flight schools offer college credit while you are learning to fly.

You do need to finish high school to be a pilot.

I am unaware of any aviation employers that would accept anyone without a high school degree. Studies show that you will be much more successful if you finish high school and only have children once you are married. 

You do need to stay out of trouble to be a pilot.

Flying and drugs and alcohol abuse do not mix. Pilots are regularly and randomly drug tested. Sorry, this also means weed. Weed is still an illegal drug federally.

Staying out of trouble means no felony convictions, severe moving violations, or DUIs. One DUI will stop airlines from hiring you.

Airlines do extensive background checks during the hiring process. A lot of caproate HR departments only look back 5 and 10 years. Airlines look further back. A dumb mistake as a teenager may count against you.

You do need decent health to be a pilot.

Starting good habits young will help you in the future. Smoking (vaping) and poor diets can and will catch up with you. Some carriers, such as Alaska Airlines, have a no-tobacco policy. They test and check for it.

I can speak personally to smoking. It will eventually affect your medical certificate, and is hard to quit. I ultimately stopped and haven’t smoked in years, but I wish I had never started!

You do need good soft skills to be a pilot.

What are soft skills? Being able to have a conversation, looking people in the eye, shaking hands, working as part of a team, and being tolerant are all skills you need to develop. Being on time and organized are also essential.

You do need a decent appearance.

Tattoos are in fashion or at least more popular these days. However, visible tattoos are not allowed at the airlines. If you are going to get a tattoo, get it in an area easy to cover up.

Extreme piercings are also a no-go.

You do need a good attitude to be a pilot.

Most pilots and flight attendants are people that are servants at heart. We find joy in getting people safely to their destination. In other words, we care. If you are selfish, have a temper, have a terrible attitude, and are not respectful of others, then flying may not be for you.

In other words, don’t be a jerk! Be nice.