Blog 2: The Different Paths in Aviation — Hobbyist, Pilot, Drone Pro & Engineer

“Flying is more than just sitting in the cockpit. It’s a world of endless possibilities—each one uniquely thrilling and vital to the future of flight.”— Aalisha, Student Pilot & FAA-Certified Drone Operator

Introduction: More Than One Way to Fly

When people hear the word “pilot,” most imagine a uniformed airline captain cruising at 35,000 feet. But aviation is far broader, deeper, and more diverse than that. In fact, there are over 10 types of flying careers and lifestyles — each with different licensing, purposes, aircraft, and long-term goals.

As a student pilot and drone operator, I’ve explored both crewed and uncrewed aviation firsthand. This post outlines four of the most exciting, viable, and rewarding paths you can take in aviation: the hobbyist pilot, the certified drone pro, the professional pilot, and the aviation engineer. Whether you want to fly for fun, start a career, or change the future of aerospace, there’s a path here for you.

1. The Hobbyist Pilot

Most pilots in the United States are not commercial airline captains — they’re general aviation pilots who fly recreationally. With a Private Pilot License (PPL), you can fly your own small aircraft, bring friends or family, and even travel cross-country — just not for hire.

Why This Path?

• Passion for flight and freedom

• Weekend adventure flights

• Participation in local aviation communities (e.g., EAA chapters)

Requirements:

• Obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL) through a Part 61 or 141 flight school

• Minimum of 40 hours of flight time (more realistic average: 60–70 hours)

• Pass FAA written knowledge test and practical checkride

Source: AOPA Learn to Fly

What You’ll Fly:

• Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee, Diamond DA40

• Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft (e.g., RV-12, ICON A5)

Bonus Perks:

• Join flying clubs to reduce aircraft rental costs

• Take part in aviation events like AirVenture Oshkosh or Young Eagles flights

2. The Certified Drone Pilot (Part 107)

I earned my FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate before I ever sat in a real airplane cockpit. This path offers incredible flexibility — and fast-growing career opportunities — especially in industries like photography, mapping, public safety, and inspection.

Why This Path?

• Entry point for younger aviation enthusiasts

• Tech-driven field with business potential

• Growing demand in industries like agriculture, logistics, cinematography

Requirements:

• Pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test (60 questions)

• Understand airspace, weather, loading/performance, and drone regulations

• Be at least 16 years old and fluent in English

Applications:

• Real estate & construction aerial photography

• Disaster response and search & rescue

• Precision agriculture & land surveying

• Roof inspections, cell tower maintenance

Source: FAA Part 107 Drone Guide

3. The Professional Pilot

Flying for a living is one of the most rewarding and structured careers in aviation. Whether you dream of flying for a major airline, a private charter company, or instructing other students, this path demands dedication and discipline — and it’s experiencing a global pilot shortage.

Why This Path?

• Well-paying career with international travel

• Defined training milestones and advancement structure

• Opportunities in airlines, business aviation, cargo, instruction, and medevac

Required Ratings:

1. PPL (Private) – First license

2. Instrument Rating (IR) – Flying in weather/clouds

3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL) – Legally fly for hire

4. Multi-Engine Rating (MER) – For large aircraft

5. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – Optional step to build hours

6. ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) – Required to fly for an airline (1500+ hrs)

Source: FAA Airman Certification Standards

Job Types:

• Major/Regional Airline First Officer or Captain

• Corporate Jet Pilot (e.g., Gulfstream, Learjet)

• Cargo Operations (FedEx, UPS, Amazon Air)

• Flight Instructor or Test Pilot

Learn more from: Airline Pilot Central

4. The Aerospace Engineer or Aviation Technologist

If you’d rather design, innovate, and build the future of aviation, then aerospace engineering might be your perfect runway. From NASA to Boeing to SpaceX, aviation relies on engineers, data analysts, and technicians to solve real-world problems — and redefine what’s possible in the skies.

Why This Path?

• Desire to build and innovate aircraft, engines, and avionics

• Interest in AI, eVTOL, and future urban mobility

• Careers at NASA, Lockheed Martin, Embraer, Airbus, and startups

Academic Path:

• Bachelor’s in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

• Internships at major aviation firms or NASA

• Flight simulation, robotics, and UAV design clubs

Growing Fields:

• Electric propulsion systems

• Urban Air Mobility (UAM)

• Unmanned systems design

• Supersonic and sustainable aviation fuel research

Sources: NASA Aeronautics Careers | AIAA | MIT AeroAstro

Choosing Your Path: Final Thoughts

There’s no “right” way to be in aviation — only the one that feels right for you. What matters most is staying curious, asking questions, and connecting with mentors and professionals who can help guide your next step.

Start with a discovery flight or Part 107 drone test. Join an aviation club. Attend a fly-in. Read forums. The sky isn’t the limit — it’s just the beginning.

🛩️ Clear skies,

Aalisha

Student Pilot | Drone Certified

Future PPL | Aviation Blogger