Is piloting classified as a trade job?

I'm fascinated by aviation and considering a career as a pilot. I'm curious if being a pilot is regarded as a trade job, and what kind of education and training are required for it.

Being a pilot is somewhat unique in classification. It's not typically labeled as a "trade job" in the same way that, say, plumbing or welding are. However, it does require specialized training, similar to a trade job.

Becoming a pilot involves several levels of certification. First, you'll need to obtain a private pilot certificate, which usually requires at least 40 hours of flight time. The next major step is obtaining a commercial pilot certificate, requiring a minimum of 250 flight hours amongst other qualifications.

Once you have a commercial pilot's certificate, you can be paid to fly, but if you're looking at passenger airlines, you'll need an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. At the very least, this involves a minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time, though you can often get a restricted ATP with fewer hours if you have specific types of flight training in your background.

Additionally, a degree in a field like aviation or aeronautics can be helpful, though it's not strictly required for most piloting jobs. Some airlines prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree, but they usually accept any subject of study.

So, while piloting may not fit the traditional definition of a trade job, it certainly demands a similar level of dedication to hands-on skill mastery and specific training. It's a career that requires complex knowledge, practical application, and continuous learning, subsequently making it parallel to many traits seen in trade occupations.