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What disqualifies you from being a pilot?

By Justin Parker - Feb. 20, 2023

Several things can disqualify you from being a pilot, including age requirements, flight hours, and medical issues. Here is a closer look at all of the things that can disqualify you from being a pilot:

  • Age requirements. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires you to be at least 23 years old before obtaining your commercial pilot's license.

    If you are under the age of 23 can still obtain a private pilot's license to start logging flight hours and receive education and training to further develop your pilot skills so when you turn 23 years old, you are prepared.

  • Flight hours. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also requires candidates to have logged a specific number of hours before being considered for a commercial pilot position.

    According to the FAA, you must log at least 1,500 flight hours to be eligible to become a commercial airline pilot, while long-haul pilots must log at least 5,000 flight hours.

  • Medical issues. Unfortunately, certain medical and health conditions can keep you from becoming a pilot. There are comprehensive medical examinations you must pass to become a professional pilot. Several different conditions can hold you back, including:

    • Bad vision

    • Epilepsy

    • Poor hearing

    • Even certain allergies (if you take medication for them that makes you drowsy)

  • Being color blind. It is possible for people who do not have a 20/20 vision to become pilots. However, there are other vision issues, such as color blindness, that can disqualify you from being a pilot.

    During your medical examinations, you are tested for color blindness. Whether or not you pass depends on the severity of your color blindness, as some with the condition can still fly.

  • Mental health issues. Certain mental disorders can disqualify you. Pilots younger than 40 are required to have a medical and mental health exam every year, while pilots over the age of 40 are required to have these exams every six months.

    Being a pilot can be a high-pressure and stressful experience, and the FAA must ensure that all pilots are mentally fit for the challenge.

  • Criminal background. The FAA has regulations that require pilots to have good morale standings, and they do not take this issue lightly. Commercial airlines also intensely scrutinize pilot candidates with background checks.

    Individuals with criminal records might not even be able to obtain a pilot's license. This also depends on the specific crime and its severity. Here are some red flags:

    • DUIs and DWIs

    • Domestic violence

    • Sexual misconduct

    • Fraud or theft

  • Drug tests. Commercial airlines require all pilots to participate in drug screenings before they hire them. Failing a drug test will almost certainly disqualify you from becoming a professional pilot unless the drug found in your system is a prescribed medication from a doctor.

    Drug tests are not only enforced during the hiring process but are also conducted at random.

  • What disqualifies you from being a pilot?

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