Becoming a Specialized Pilot
Specialized pilots fly a variety of aircraft from small crop-dusting airplanes to larger airplanes used in firefighting. This flying career allows you to do some of the most interesting jobs as a pilot.
Take a FREE Young Eagles Flight
EAA’s Young Eagles Flight Program
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For youth ages 8-17
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FREE introductory flight given by a local EAA chapter or individual EAA member in your area
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Young Eagles are given a pre and post flight review of the interior and exterior of the airplane, safety instructions, and an overview of airplane controls and operations
-
A 15-20 minute flight
Find a Young Eagles Flight
YoungEaglesDay.org
Register for a Young Eagles flight using EAA's online registration tool.
AeroEducate Calendar of Events ›
Find a Young Eagles rally or other youth events in your area.
Set Yourself Up for Success
You can start preparing to become a specialized pilot now:
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Start talking to your high school guidance counselor as early as your freshman year and let them know that your dream is to become a specialized pilot. They can help you identify courses you can take to set you up for success in your future flying career, as well as helping to find training, scholarships, or colleges and universities best suited for you.
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You can start flight training at any age, although you must be 16 years old to solo and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate.
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Join or get involved in your local EAA chapter.
-
Actively volunteer with local civic or school organizations.
-
Keep working on AeroEducate badging and new activities to learn more about aviation.
Options for Flight Training
Professional Flight Training
One of the fastest paths to becoming a specialized pilot is through professional flight training. These programs are often intense and require you to follow a strict curriculum. These programs allow you to complete the course and become a specialized pilot on a set schedule at a pre-determined cost.
You can find professional flight training through local certified flight instructors (CFIs), a professional flight training school, or your local vocational or technical college.
Post-Secondary Education with Professional Flight Training
If you’re thinking of attending a college or university, start by seeking out and applying for scholarships.
Attending a college or university while working on your pilot certificate can give you top-notch instruction, networking opportunities, life-changing internships, and career placement that you may not otherwise have access to by going through professional flight training alone. You can also attend a college or university that offers an aviation focused degree. These degree programs typically encompass flight training as part of the core curriculum. Upon graduation you will have earned a degree and pilot certificate.
Some companies may also seek out or prefer pilots with a degree, as it shows your dedication to learning new things, your well-roundedness, and your perseverance.
Military
Flying in the military is not only a great way to serve your country, it’s also a great way to get your flight training paid for and earn valuable experience.
For more information about military flying options, visit our Military Pilot Pathway page.
Build Time and Ratings
In most cases after you have obtained your pilot certificate you will need to continue training to get additional ratings and build experience. The more hours you are able to log in the cockpit will build experience and help you obtain the job you want. Consider spending some time as a flight instructor, or look for other pilot jobs such as flying freight, and more.
Career Options
Once you have the appropriate certification and experience to fly, you’re ready to start looking for jobs as a specialized pilot - whether that is towing banners over a beach or flying tourists into the back country as a bush pilot! Take a look at the Aviation Job Search on the EAA Website for information about open flying positions.
Give Back
After you have accomplished your goals, continue to inspire youth to get involved in aviation by giving back to your aviation community.
Take a FREE Young Eagles Flight
EAA’s Young Eagles Flight Program
-
For youth ages 8-17
-
FREE introductory flight given by a local EAA chapter or individual EAA member in your area
-
Young Eagles are given a pre and post flight review of the interior and exterior of the airplane, safety instructions, and an overview of airplane controls and operations
-
A 15-20 minute flight
Find a Young Eagles Flight
YoungEaglesDay.org
Register for a Young Eagles flight using EAA's online registration tool.
AeroEducate Calendar of Events ›
Find a Young Eagles rally or other youth events in your area.
Set Yourself Up for Success
You can start preparing to become a specialized pilot now:
-
Start talking to your high school guidance counselor as early as your freshman year and let them know that your dream is to become a specialized pilot. They can help you identify courses you can take to set you up for success in your future flying career, as well as helping to find training, scholarships, or colleges and universities best suited for you.
-
You can start flight training at any age, although you must be 16 years old to solo and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate.
-
Join or get involved in your local EAA chapter.
-
Actively volunteer with local civic or school organizations.
-
Keep working on AeroEducate badging and new activities to learn more about aviation.
Options for Flight Training
Professional Flight Training
One of the fastest paths to becoming a specialized pilot is through professional flight training. These programs are often intense and require you to follow a strict curriculum. These programs allow you to complete the course and become a specialized pilot on a set schedule at a pre-determined cost.
You can find professional flight training through local certified flight instructors (CFIs), a professional flight training school, or your local vocational or technical college.
Post-Secondary Education with Professional Flight Training
If you’re thinking of attending a college or university, start by seeking out and applying for scholarships.
Attending a college or university while working on your pilot certificate can give you top-notch instruction, networking opportunities, life-changing internships, and career placement that you may not otherwise have access to by going through professional flight training alone. You can also attend a college or university that offers an aviation focused degree. These degree programs typically encompass flight training as part of the core curriculum. Upon graduation you will have earned a degree and pilot certificate.
Some companies may also seek out or prefer pilots with a degree, as it shows your dedication to learning new things, your well-roundedness, and your perseverance.
Military
Flying in the military is not only a great way to serve your country, it’s also a great way to get your flight training paid for and earn valuable experience.
For more information about military flying options, visit our Military Pilot Pathway page.
Build Time and Ratings
In most cases after you have obtained your pilot certificate you will need to continue training to get additional ratings and build experience. The more hours you are able to log in the cockpit will build experience and help you obtain the job you want. Consider spending some time as a flight instructor, or look for other pilot jobs such as flying freight, and more.
Career Options
Once you have the appropriate certification and experience to fly, you’re ready to start looking for jobs as a specialized pilot - whether that is towing banners over a beach or flying tourists into the back country as a bush pilot! Take a look at the Aviation Job Search on the EAA Website for information about open flying positions.
Give Back
After you have accomplished your goals, continue to inspire youth to get involved in aviation by giving back to your aviation community.
