Best Pilot Forums, Applications and other tools for Professionals

“How to Become a Pilot” is a question you might have already explored, but now your focus should shift towards becoming an effective, well-compensated pilot who has the freedom to choose whether to work for commercial airlines or in corporate aviation, and whether to be a captain or a first officer. Consider what region you’d like to live in and the salary you aim to earn. Below, you will find a selection of valuable information that can assist you in job hunting, networking, and climbing the career ladder. Here’s a list of helpful online resources and tools designed to help pilots confidently handle the challenges of aviation.

Pilot Groups and Associations

Engaging with a global community and staying informed about the latest industry trends are essential practices for anyone working in this dynamic sector. From international pilot associations that advocate for safety and professional growth, to specialized online forums where peers share insights and experiences — each resource serves to empower pilots to navigate the complexities of their profession with confidence and up-to-date knowledge.

International

1. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is an American nonprofit political organization that advocates for civil aviation interests before the U.S. government. It provides pilot training, information and resources for aircraft owners, and support to public and private airstrips.
2. Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA): The world’s largest pilot union, representing over 77,000 pilots at 42 airlines in the U.S. and Canada.
3. International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA): Represents over 120,000 pilots globally, promoting aviation safety and pilot advocacy. The mission of the Federation is to promote the highest level of aviation safety worldwide and to be the global advocate of the piloting profession; providing representation, services, and support to both our members and the aviation industry.
4. Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA): Supports the flying, building, and restoration of recreational aircraft. Based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Pilot Forums: Aviation Discourse

1. Airliners.net: A forum for pilots to discuss aviation-related topics, career questions, and industry trends.
2. Professional Pilots Rumour Network (PPRuNe): A popular platform for discussions on various aviation-related topics.
3. Flightinfo.com: Covers topics from learning to fly to pilot careers in general and corporate aviation.
4. Aviation Stack Exchange: A question-and-answer community for pilots and aviation professionals.

European Pilot Resources

1. European General Aviation: A community for enthusiasts, covering flight planning, aircraft ownership, and technical discussions.
2. Pilot Career News Forum: Focuses on pilot careers, training, and aviation news in Europe.
3. European Aviation Network (EAN): Connects aviation professionals across Europe, offering networking opportunities.

USA Pilot Resources

1. Pilots of America: A community for American pilots to share experiences and discuss aviation topics.
2. Cessna Pilots Association Forums: Engage in broader aviation discussions specifically designed for Cessna pilots.

Pilot Career Resources, Networking and Career Development

Embarking on or advancing a career in aviation demands access to the best resources and networks. This carefully curated list provides essential tools for pilots seeking job opportunities, professional development, and community support within the aviation industry. From global job listings at Pilot Jobs Network to specialized support from organizations like Women in Aviation International and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, these resources ensure that pilots of all backgrounds can find the guidance and opportunities they need to soar. Embrace these platforms to stay competitive and informed in an industry that values continual learning and connection.

1. Pilot Jobs Network: Offers listings of available pilot positions across various airlines globally. It also provides details on salary scales, hiring requirements, and insider information about different carriers.
2. Airline Pilot Central: A resource for pilots that includes job openings, pay scales, forums, and airline-specific information. This platform is particularly useful for comparing contract details and benefits across various airlines.
3. JSfirm.com: This is an extensive aviation job website that includes pilot jobs among many other types of aviation-related careers. It provides tools for resume building and the option to view and apply for jobs directly.
4. Women in Aviation International (WAI): Dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests.
5. Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP): A nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of minorities in all aviation and aerospace careers.
6. Aviation Job Search: Specializes in aviation and pilot job listings, providing a wide range of opportunities from entry-level to captain positions. The site also features articles and advice about aviation careers.
7. FlightDeckFriend: Offers career advice, resume guidance, and cover letter tips specifically tailored for pilots. It also features a job board and interview tips to help pilots prepare for airline assessments.
8. Professional Pilots of Tomorrow (PPOT): Provides mentoring and guidance for pilots entering the industry. The organization connects new pilots with experienced mentors to help navigate the career landscape.

Useful Apps for Pilots

1. ForeFlight: the most famous app based on subscription for preflight planning and in-flight navigation, featuring maps, weather charts, and more.
2. Garmin Pilot: app providing flight planning, weather updates, and navigation.
3. SkyDemon: One of Europe’s most popular VFR flight-planning and GPS navigation software. It simplifies the planning and tracking of flights, offering real-time weather and airspace information.
4. SkyVector: A premier online tool for flight planning. Pilots can access worldwide aeronautical charts, plan flights, and receive crucial weather updates. This tool is essential for flight route planning and aviation weather services.
5. Navigraph: Provides comprehensive, worldwide, and regularly updated Jeppesen charts for professional pilots. It’s essential for flight simulation and real-world flying, improving flight navigation skills.
6. CloudAhoy: A debriefing tool that uses flight data to provide detailed post-flight analysis, ideal for training and improving flight skills.
7. MyRadar: A fast, easy-to-use, weather application that provides animated weather radar around your current location, helping to predict upcoming storms.
8. Boldmethod: Offers a wide range of online courses, quizzes, and daily articles designed to help pilots master critical flying skills.
9. The Great Circle Mapper (GCMap): Provides pilots with a tool to plot and calculate great circle routes, essential for flight planning and understanding route distances.
10. FlyShare: Helps pilots accumulate flight hours, with tools for flight planning and tracking progress.

Regulatory and Safety Resources

1. Skybrary: An invaluable resource for aviation safety information, providing articles, insights, and interactive tools to understand and implement best practices in flight safety.
2. Flight Safety Foundation: An independent, non-profit organization providing expert safety guidance and resources to the aviation and aerospace industry.
3. NTSB Aviation Accident Database: Offers access to reports and findings from historical aviation accidents, a vital resource for understanding and learning from past incidents.

Key Aviation Authorities

1. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Oversees civil aviation in the U.S.
2. FAA IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application): an online system by the FAA for paperless certification of pilots and instructors, ensuring compliance with FAA standards efficiently (pilots use IACRA to validate license and request a verification letter).
3. European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA): Regulates aviation safety across EU member states.
4. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): Sets global standards for aviation safety and operations.

This guide offers professionals an array of resources and tools for advancing pilot career within the aviation industry. It includes connections to key pilot associations for safety and advocacy, access to specialized online forums for sharing insights, and job networks for exploring employment opportunities. Additionally, the guide features navigation and planning apps, alongside important regulatory and safety resources to ensure compliance and safety standards.

Overall, this resource is designed to support pilots in their professional development and staying informed about the latest industry trends.
In the dynamic realm of aviation, pilot forums are focused hubs for discussion, advice, and industry insights. With these tools and forums, pilots stay informed, connected, and equipped for success in their aviation careers.
Stay tuned for insights that will empower you to craft the pilot career path that best suits your aspirations and goals.