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[Finding a job](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job) 2. How To Become a Pilot in Texas in 5 Steps (With Tips) # How To Become a Pilot in Texas in 5 Steps (With Tips) Written by Indeed Editorial Team Updated June 9, 2025 Pilots are responsible for safely transporting goods and passengers from one location to another. There are several pilot jobs available to people interested in operating aircraft. Whether you want to become an airline transport pilot, a commercial pilot or another type of pilot, it's beneficial to review the requirements for the position so you can determine what education and training you need, especially if you live in Texas or plan to move there.In this article, we explain what a pilot does, list the steps you can take to become a pilot in Texas, offer helpful tips and share the salary of a pilot in Texas. Related: [How To Get Hired as a Pilot (Plus Additional Career Paths)](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-get-hired-as-pilot) ## Find your next job faster with the Indeed app [Get the app](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-a-pilot-in-texas) Get the app ## What does a pilot do? Pilots operate aircraft along planned routes for military, commercial or transport purposes. They're responsible for responding to changing weather conditions or emergencies and ensuring the security of passengers and cargo. Prior to departure, they may perform pre-flight inspections and review flight logs containing important information about the aircraft and its maintenance history. There are a few different categories of pilots who might perform different duties, including: - Cargo pilots: These pilots primarily transport goods and equipment from one location to another in a timely manner, including mail, perishable foods, medicines, tools and animals. They follow the appropriate loading and unloading procedures to protect the items they transport and clean their planes as needed. - Commercial pilots: These pilots operate and maintain commercial aircraft to haul passengers and freight along scheduled routes. They communicate with air traffic control over the aircraft's radio system and ensure passenger comfort. - Private pilots: These pilots typically work for individuals and private companies or operate independently and spend their time transporting passengers to multiple locations using smaller aircraft. They have different licenses than commercial pilots and may have slightly different flying privileges, such as the ability to fly at night. - Military pilots: These pilots commonly work for the United States Armed Forces and conduct a variety of specialized aviation missions, including search-and-rescue and recovery missions. They undergo formal training to provide soldiers and military personnel with technical support. Related: [8 High-Paying Pilot Jobs (With Job Responsibilities)](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/high-paying-pilot-jobs) ## How to become a pilot in Texas Becoming a pilot in Texas requires several years of flight training, but it can be a worthwhile career choice if you have a passion for aviation and an interest in flying to new destinations and working closely with a crew. Here are five steps you can take to become a pilot in Texas: ### 1\. Review your options Before you start your formal training to become a pilot, it's beneficial to review your career options. There are benefits to each category of pilot, but the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has different rules, depending on the type of aircraft you hope to fly. Research the different types of aircraft and the pilots who fly them to learn more about the skills and training you need. It may also benefit you to search for flight schools in your area or meet with military recruiters to learn more about pilots in the military. Related: [How To Become a Pilot](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-pilot) ### 2\. Attend flight school Most protective pilots begin their training by attending a flight school or working with an independent instructor. Many flight schools are available through two- or four-year programs at colleges and universities. Regardless of the program you choose, ensure it's FAA-certified. In flight school, you can learn how to use radio navigation and communicate with air traffic control and flight computers. You may also learn the basics of the navigational instrument panel in the aircraft. Once you've acquired at least 40 hours of flight training, including 10 hours of solo training, you can qualify for a basic private pilot license.If you decide to pursue military training, you can first expect to earn a degree and become a commissioned officer before receiving specialized training on the tactical systems that the military uses to conduct its operations. You might learn the basics of formation flying and evasion. Military programs also require that you remain physically fit and complete periodic fitness tests. Related: [How To Become a Pilot: Flight School Requirements](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/flight-school-requirements) ### 3\. Complete your education Pilots often need additional education to qualify for positions with airlines and flight organizations. If you hope to become a traditional airline pilot, for example, Texas airlines may require that you have a bachelor's degree in aviation, engineering or a related field. Many prospective pilots complete their education while undergoing training and studying for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam. Studying aviation and earning a degree can help you learn more about the aviation field and the potential career options in it if you're still unsure of your career path. Related: [What Degree Does a Pilot Need? (With 8 Degree Options)](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-degree-does-pilot-need) ### 4\. Earn the appropriate licenses If you want to work in a more specialized field, it's important to complete the appropriate licensing and acquire the correct ratings. Once you've logged your flight hours and earned your private pilot license, you can work on gaining these ratings and licenses. Each has different requirements. To earn your instrument rating, for example, you need at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time. Depending on your specialty, you might also earn a commercial pilot license and acquire a multi-engine rating. The highest credential is typically the airline pilot transport certificate, which qualifies you to instruct other pilots.Each level of pilot license requires you to complete a written examination and a practical flying examination. You may be able to earn your licenses more quickly, depending on whether you attend a Part 141 flight school or a Part 61 school. For example, a Part 61 school requires a minimum of 250 hours for a commercial pilot's license, while a Part 141 school only requires 190. To fly professionally, you also need active FAA medical certificates. Related: [7 Types of Pilot Certifications and Licenses (Plus Benefits)](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/pilot-certifications) ### 5\. Undergo additional training Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) require that new pilots complete additional job training before they can begin transporting cargo or passengers long distances. Many regional airlines require new pilots to have 2,000 hours of flight experience, while more well-known international airlines often require 4,000 flight hours. If you want to fly commercially, you may begin your career by working as a charter pilot or in another entry-level position with minimal responsibilities. Related: [How To Become a Commercial Pilot: Step-by-Step Career Guide](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-commercial-pilot) ## Tips for becoming a pilot Here are some helpful tips to review if you've decided to become a pilot: ### Learn from professional pilots Consider [job shadowing](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-job-shadow) or meeting with professional pilots in your area. They may teach you more about the aircraft they operate and share knowledge about their position. They can also help outline the FAA's requirements more clearly and provide you with insight into reputable flight schools in Texas. Related: [How To Job Shadow (With Tips for a Positive Experience)](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/how-to-job-shadow) ### Fulfill the medical requirements early The FAA requires people who possess an airline transport pilot license to have a first-class medical certificate. Commercial pilots need a second-class certificate, and student, recreational or private pilots need a third-class certificate. A first-class certificate is valid for six months, a second-class certificate is valid for 12 months and a third-class certificate is valid for 60 months for pilots under 40 and 24 months for pilots over 40. Make sure you meet the FAA's medical requirements and book your medical appointments as early as possible before applying for pilot school or pilot positions. Related: [How Long Does It Take To Become a Pilot? (FAA Requirements)](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-pilot) ### Review the FAA website As pilot requirements sometimes change over time, it's important to review the FAA website for updated requirements. You may also discover answers to frequently asked questions about requirements or license types. The FAA website also lists current industry regulations and safety standards and shares important information about the industry, making it a valuable resource for pilots-in-training. Related: [FAQ: Do You Need a College Degree To Be a Pilot?](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/do-you-need-a-college-degree-to-be-a-pilot) ## How much do pilots make in Texas? The average salary of a pilot in Texas is [\$94,575 per year](https://www.indeed.com/career/pilot/salaries/TX) . A pilot's salary can vary significantly, depending on the type of aircraft they operate and the company, military branch or airline that employs them. It may also vary based on their experience level, area of knowledge and the number of hours they've flown in a given year. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link(s) provided. Related: [How Much Do Pilots Make? Salary Information and FAQs](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/how-much-do-pilots-make) \  The information on this site is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers \  Share: Is this article helpful? ## Related Articles  ### [Do You Need a College Degree To Be an Airline Pilot?](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/do-you-need-a-college-degree-to-be-a-pilot)  ### [How To Become a Pilot Car Driver in 5 Steps (Plus Duties)](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-a-pilot-car-driver)  ### [Flight Instructor vs. Pilot: What’s the Difference?](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/flight-instructor-vs-pilot) ## Explore more articles - [31 Jobs in Technology and Science](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/careers-in-technology-and-science) - [12 Online Construction Management Programs (With Benefits)](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/online-construction-management-programs) - [How To Calculate the Average Rate of Change in 5 Steps](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-calculate-average-rate-of-change) - [5 Common Business Structures and the Advantages of Each](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/business-structure) - [Interview Question: "How Do You Handle Criticism?"](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-do-you-handle-criticism) - [How To Write a Congratulations Letter for an Accomplishment in 5 Steps](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-congratulation-letter-for-accomplishment) - [What Is the Aaker Brand Equity Model? 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