Pilots and flight engineers must hold appropriate FAA certificates. Scheduled airline captains or pilots need an airline transport certificate. Pilots in general aviation who fly for hire and copilots for commercial airlines need a commercial pilot certificate with instrument privileges. Flight engineers need a flight engineer certificate. In general, the following requirements apply, however, contact the FAA for specific certification requirements. All pilots who are paid to transport passengers or cargo must have a commercial pilot's certificate. To qualify for a commercial pilot's certificate, applicants must: 1) Be at least 18 years old. 2) Have at least 250 hours of flight experience. 3) Pass a physical exam. 4) Have 20/20 vision with or without glasses. 5) Have good hearing. 6) Be able to read, speak, write and understand English. 7) Pass the required written exams. 8) Demonstrate their flying abilities to FAA examiners. To qualify for an airline transport pilot's certificate, applicants must meet the above requirements plus: be at least 23 years old, have a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience, and pass written and flight exams. Advanced ratings are available on both types of pilots' certificates. To achieve an advanced rating, pilots must take additional hours of instruction and pass exams. All certificates remain valid as long as pilots can pass the periodic physical exams and tests of flying skills.
