license Archives

Airline Pilot Salary: Comprehensive Breakdown & Industry Comparison 2025

How much do pilots make? Based on current data (next update: May 2026), the annual median airline pilot salary is $226,600 and the average is over $200,000. Pay typically ranges from around $90,000 for new first officers to $450,000 for senior captains at major airlines. Earnings vary by airline, aircraft type, routes flown, credentials, experience, job title, and union agreements. Read the complete breakdown below by airline, rank, and experience below. Overview of Airline Pilot Salaries and Influencing Factors Pilot pay varies for many reasons, such as the airline, rank, and years of service, with the average salary over $200,000 in 2025. People choose an airline pilot career for a variety of reasons, first and foremost being their love of … Read more

Types of Pilot Licenses: From Part-Time Hobby to Lifetime Career and Everything In Between

You want to become a pilot, but did you know the FAA issues different types of pilot licenses? These vary by classifications, ratings, and various regulations. Depending on your pilot license and ratings, you will be licensed to fly different types of aircraft. Above all, you can even fly for commercial airlines as a paid professional certified pilot. Whether you’re an international student or American student, you just have to decide which pilot license meets your needs. Therefore, you need to think about your pilot goals. What is a pilot license? In simple terms, a pilot’s license, or pilot certificate, allows a person to be able to fly an aircraft. This is similar to a driver’s license allowing you to … Read more

Mastering Attitude Flying: Avoid Hazardous Flight Behaviors

Is it important to verify checkpoints? Hazardous flying attitudes can occur at any time. I knew myself fairly well when I started flying lessons at age 40. Or so I thought. The long solo cross-country was when I discovered what I did not know. During that flight, I had not properly timed or verified checkpoints resulting in becoming completely off-course. My drive home from this particular flight provided reflection on how to be a better pilot. I’d replayed each skill set. I flew the airplane well and used the checklist regularly but was consistently lost. What surprised me was how many times I said to myself, “That check point is only slightly off course.” I then recalled reading something about … Read more