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What are the Different Types of Pilot Licenses?

With so many potential aviation careers, we help you choose. iStock
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article, published during a period of pilot shortage (late 2019), encourages aspiring aviators to plan for an aviation career, noting that many sectors beyond major airlines were struggling to find qualified pilots.
  • It details several professional flying careers, including major airlines (and cargo), corporate flying, aircraft charter, and fractional ownership, each with distinct operational models and work environments.
  • Each career path offers unique characteristics regarding aircraft types, scheduling (e.g., predictable airline routes vs. on-demand corporate/charter), social dynamics in the cockpit, and compensation, allowing pilots to choose based on their preferences.
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While this article comes from our Learn To Fly issue published in late 2019, and pilot hiring is on hold for the foreseeable future, it’s a great time to plan for and work towards an aviation career so that you’re poised to act when the current situation changes.

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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