Commercial Pilot in the US

John Moss Wathen IV is a lettered athlete who played soccer and track during his high school days at Pleasant Valley High School in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania. He then attended Pennsylvania State University, where he graduated with a bachelor of science in aerospace engineering. While John Wathen IV is interested in flight testing, his primary goal is to become an airline pilot after completing flight school.

To become a commercial pilot in the United States, candidates must complete tests and possess specific skills. A person must possess the private pilot certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). With this certificate, basic training begins. Pilots in training start trying to get an instrument rating. The next step is to earn the commercial pilot and flight instructor certificates, allowing pilots to make a living as commercial pilots and gather the necessary experience.

The final steps include adding a multi-engine rating to their certificate, which grants pilots the privilege to fly large aircraft and passenger planes. Pilots then gather more experience and add 1,500 hours of total flight time to their record, which is the minimum to receive Airline Transport Pilot Certification. When pilots complete these steps, they can go for interviews with airlines to secure employment.