• Regional and low-cost airlines offer the best opportunities; pilots face strong competition for jobs at the major airlines, which offer better pay and benefits.
• Many pilots have learned to fly in the military, but growing numbers have college degrees with flight training from civilian flying schools that are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• Newly hired pilots at major airlines typically have about 4,000 hours of flight experience.

Disclaimer: Links to non-Kuder Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

For information about job opportunities, salaries, and qualifications, write to the personnel manager of the particular airline.

For information on pilots, contact:

• Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591. Internet: http://www.faa.gov

For information on airline pilots, contact:

• Air Line Pilots Association, International, 1625 Massachusetts Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20036. Internet: http://www.clearedtodream.org

For information on helicopter pilots, contact:

• Helicopter Association International, 1635 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Internet: http://www.rotor.com

For information about job opportunities in companies other than airlines, consult the classified section of aviation trade magazines and apply to companies that operate aircraft at local airports.