How hard is it to become a co-pilot?

The primary qualifications needed for a career as a co-pilot include significant flight experience and an Airline Transport Pilot certification. While most pilots earn a college degree, this is not required. You can learn to fly and earn your license in the military or through a commercial flight school.



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The route to an airline copilot position can be long and difficult, and is no less strict than that for pilots. It requires countless hours of flying time, training, and testing. Training for copilots generally takes two distinct paths.

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To be a Co-Pilot (Small Jet) typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.

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For instance, Southwest Airlines pilots earn an average annual salary of $222,000. However, some Southwest pilots earn as much as $549,000. Similarly, United Airlines pilots earn an average of $205,000. The average Delta Airlines pilot earns $192,000 with top-earners making $526,000.

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Yes, the airlines know they have married couples in their cockpits and they're okay with it.

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Pilot? It takes two months to become a pilot and earn your private pilot license. To become an airline pilot, it takes two years to gain the required 1,500 hours flight time.

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Family members may fly free when space is available or at discounted rates. Flying stand-by is a common benefit, but it can be challenging when there is a group. Some airlines provide “buddy passes” to pilots to share with friends and families.

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Long haul flights must have two or three pilots on board. If there are three pilots on board one will be the captain who flies the plane, the second will be the first officer or co-pilot. The third pilot is the flight engineer.

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Yes, the airlines know they have married couples in their cockpits and they're okay with it. I'm sure there are a handful flying together at each of the majors. No one else wastes time thinking about it. There is no glass ceiling; pilot pay is transparent and based solely on seniority.

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