Agricultural Pilots must pass a written test given by the State Department of Food and Agriculture to obtain needed State licenses. They must also serve a minimum of one year as an apprentice. Additional requirements exist for Photogrammetry Pilots. Certificates and ratings for all pilots are valid as long as they continue to pass periodic checks of their physical condition and flying skills. Minimum educational requirements for most commercial airlines are high school graduation or two years of college.
Pilot training is done in military or civilian flight schools.
Advancement Advancement for Airline Pilots may involve moving from a small airline to a major carrier. Advancement within the same company depends largely on seniority. Flight engineers may become copilots within 2 to 7 years and captains within 5 to 15 years. Some pilots become check pilots, chief pilots, or self employed. A few pilots transfer to managerial jobs.