Becoming a pilot in the Philippines is a difficult process that requires dedication, hard work, and a substantial financial investment.
However, for those with a strong desire to succeed and a passion for flying, it can be a highly rewarding career.
In this post, you will learn how to become a Pilot in the Philippines. To become a Pilot in the Philippines, you must complete the following 6 steps:
How to become a Pilot in the Philippines
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Age: To start flight training, you must be at least 17 years old. Some airlines have strict age requirements for new hires, with the average age being around 21 years.
Medical Fitness: You must have a current medical certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) proving that you meet the medical standards to fly.
Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some airlines may also require additional education, such as a college diploma.
Step 2: Complete your Flight Training
Choose a Flight Training Institute: You can enrol in a CAAP-approved flying school or college. Review the various options to find the one that best meets your needs and budget.
Complete flight training: The length of flight training varies, but it usually takes 12-24 months to complete the required number of flight hours and training. You will learn about air regulation, navigation and meteorology, as well as flying skills.
Understand key concepts: It is important to have a solid understanding of key concepts and skills required for flying, such as aviation laws, navigation and operational procedures.
Step 3: Get a PPL (Private Pilot License)
Written Test: Written test on Aviation Law, Navigation and Operational Procedures is required. The tests assess your understanding of the key concepts and skills required to fly.
Practical Flying Test: You must pass a practical flying test with a qualified examiner. This test assesses your ability to fly as well as your ability to deal with emergency situations.
Step 4: Keep Increasing your Flight Time and Experience
Gain flying experience: Once you have your PPL, you can gain flying experience by chartering an aircraft or joining a flying club. You should also consider getting additional ratings, such as a night rating or an instrument rating, to help improve your skills.
Earn Flight Hours: Earning flight hours is an essential part of becoming a pilot. The more flight hours you have, the more experience and knowledge you will gain, which can help you get hired as a commercial pilot.
Step 5: Get your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Written Test: Written tests are required in aerodynamics, aircraft performance, flight planning and navigation. These tests assess your understanding of the technical aspects of flying.
Multi-engine and instrument flight test: A multi-engine and instrument flight test is also required. This test assesses your ability to fly multi-engine aircraft as well as your instrument flying skills.
Step 6: Meet the Requirements of the Airline
Build Flight Hours and Experience: In order to be hired as a commercial pilot, you must first build flight hours and experience. The more flight hours you have, the more likely you are to be hired.
Meet the Minimum Hour Requirement of the Airline: Each airline has a different minimum flight hour requirement, which can range from 500 to 1500 hours.
Pass the Airline’s Selection Process: You must pass the airline’s selection process to get hired as a commercial pilot. This may include a technical assessment, an aptitude test and an interview. The selection process is intended to assess your suitability and potential as a commercial pilot.