Becoming a pilot is a thing of children's dreams, and this desire is often carried into adulthood. Although there is always the option of training and obtaining a Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) for civilians, the cost of buying or hiring a plane once you've qualified, fuel fees, maintenance, hangarage costs, and landing fees all add up to a veritable sum.
A career as a pilot is an option that will allow you to experience your passion on a daily basis, with the added bonus of earning a more than reasonable salary from doing what you love. Here we look at the different employment routes available, as well as the skills needed to enter a career where competition for a job can be high.
Making the Decision
The decision to make a change of career to become a pilot is a massive consideration and should not be taken lightly. This is because the training schedule is extremely involved and dedication is key.
If you wish to become an airline pilot, you'll probably also need to have obtained your CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence), something that will take dedication, time and quite a considerable investment of money – anywhere between £35,000-£50,000. It used to be that airline companies would fully sponsor a pilot's training, but this is no longer the case. There are some sponsorships programmes available to cover the cost of qualifying for a CPL, but these may be slightly biased towards younger candidates.
The Age Factor
Age is also an important issue if you're considering a career change. Aviation companies are keen to recruit pilots who have the potential to gain as much experience and flying hours as possible. Fitness, co-ordination and general health tests are all part of the screening process. You should bear in mind that if you were attempting to enter a training school to become an airline pilot, you would have to undergo a special pre-entry test by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) known as a Class 1 medical test.
If you think you will meet the physical requirements of flying, it might also be worth taking an aptitude test to see whether you have the necessary Personal Skills, such as the ability to work under pressure and to multi-task. Although aptitude tests are also taken before commencement of training, taking one beforehand may save time and money if you find later on that you're not suited to a career in flying.
You will also need to have gained some GCSE or A-Level qualifications. Although the entry standard varies between pilot schools, in most cases a bare minimum of five good A-C GCSEs including maths, English and science will be needed, in addition to two A-Levels or equivalent. There is a definite preference for Maths and physics qualifications for pilots, and any subsequent degrees in the fields of physics, maths, other sciences or aeronautical engineering will be looked upon favourably.
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Trying to gain a place in a pilot training scheme is extremely competitive. Having evidence of a passion for aviation, such as membership of a local Air Training Corps (ATC) or a PPL, will be extremely valuable. If you also have proof that you are disciplined, logical, fit and a good team player, you will also be considered as a potential candidate. Schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award are often a good indicator of this.
Frozen Airline Transport Pilot's Licence
Assuming that you have met all the criteria and have managed to land a place at a pilot school, you will then have to start your first officer training. If starting from 'scratch' with little or no former flying experience, you'll start training towards your Frozen Airline Transport Pilot's Licence (FATPL). The first stage involves racking up 750 hours of study and instruction and 150 hours of flying in a light piston (propeller) aircraft. The study topics included in this first stage includes aviation law, navigation and meteorology.
It usually takes just over a year to complete the first stage of training, which leads to gaining a CPL and Instrument Rating (IR). You will then need to undertake additional training, which deals with commercial aircraft and team working, resulting in a Multi-Crew Operation Certificate. Once this has been obtained, the usual route is to secure a job with an airline that will then pay for the final stage of training, known as Type-Rating training. The remaining training towards a full ATPL will then include flying around 50 flights as a first officer with a training captain, as well as building up 1,500 hours of flying experience while flying with a line pilot.
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Employment Routes
There are a variety of employment routes for airline pilots. If you already have a PPL, you could 'promote' yourself to entry level by acquiring sufficient flying hours and gaining a qualification as an assistant flying instructor. This will allow you to build your experience to a level where you can directly apply to an airline for the necessary training programme.
The second option is to apply via the route described above, by applying to a CAA registered airline training school, or applying directly to an airline that partakes in a sponsorship scheme. Alternatively, another option is to join the armed forces. The RAF seems an obvious choice but there are also opportunities to train as a pilot in the Army's Air Corps and the Navy's Fleet Air Arm.
Whichever route you choose to take, the likelihood is that it will be hard work, and you'll have to be extremely committed and passionate about your work. A career change to becoming a pilot is no simple undertaking, especially later on in life when you may have other financial or familial responsibilities to consider.
A Military Career
For more information on a Career In The Military, read our article on this site.
In two years, when I've finished 6th form, I will be going on to college and to study an aviation couse called 'Aviation Operations and Cabin Crew'. I was wondering if this college couse would benefit me at all as it is to do with Aviation. Also, could you give me any advice if it's necessary as it would really help me a lot!
Thank you. ??
I wish a career change and I am completely prepared to work extremely hard and do whatever it takes .I have a good science based degree
Advice would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks ,Carol
I'm 16 years old and am soon going to be sitting my GCSE exams. I hope to get good grades so then I can go into further education into the pilot scheme route. But I am not exactly sure if I should go to college or sixth form because I'm more of a coursework person rather than exams.
I would like to go to college and do a level 3 BTEC in electrical engineering Extended Diploma. After these 2 years I would like to do an apprenticeship with Virgin Atlantic and hopefully get offered a job.
However, I have just been thinking what the options would be if I took the Sixth Form route.
...the entry standard varies between pilot schools, in most cases a bare minimum of five good A-C GCSEs including maths, English and science will be needed, in addition to two A-Levels or equivalent. There is a definite preference for Maths and physics qualifications for pilots, and any subsequent degrees in the fields of physics, maths, other sciences or aeronautical engineering will be looked upon favourably."
My dream is to become a pilot so I would like to know which subject to choose in order to be a qualified pilot. I will be choosing subjects next year
Kind Regards
Ketso Mathe
I'm 27 and have worked as a stockbroker since I was 18. I love the idea of gaining a pilot licence although I never attained good GCSE results and never took A-Levels. Does this mean that I would not progress in this career?
Kind regards,
Jimboe
It is great that you all have such enthusiasm for the career, however a good grasp of grammar and punctuation is key for all specialist occupations. Unfortunately the purpose of this site is to provide information regarding careers and job routes, it is not an employment or scheme provider looking for candidates to sell themselves in hope that they will be offered a scholarship for their dream job!
In addition, I very much doubt that anyone would appreciate a pilot who writes 'and il make my dream come true by dat.'.
I am currently trying to follow the dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot. I have had the though since I was little from when I first went to the local airport to spot! I'm 17 and left school with 9.5 GCSE's all at grade C or above including maths english and science. I am now currently undertaking Aeronautical Engineering course at college. However when I complete this e which will be 2013, I hope to achieve good grades. However I have no idea what to do next? I have looked at starting my PPL, however the money is a little tight at the moment. I have looked at the RAF and they require a grade B in maths which in this case I only got a C. I have looked at places like the oxford aviation academy and CTC wings and don't believe I would be able to fund this, however looking at the BBVA bank I may be able too in some way. Just wondering if there are any other ways anyone can think off would be a great help to me! Thanks :)
Introduction
Airline pilots fly people to destinations throughout the world. Before take-off, they study flight plans and make sure that the controls of the aircraft are working properly. They also have to check weather conditions and liaise with air traffic control.
Also Known As:
• Aircraft Pilot
• Pilot (Airline)
Work Activities
Airline pilots fly aeroplanes on long and short haul flights. They are in charge of a crew, who look after the passengers. The majority of aircraft are operated by at least two pilots: a captain and a co-pilot.
Before take-off, the pilots plan the flight. This involves activities such as:
•obtaining weather forecasts for take-off, route and destination
•planning routes and stop-offs
•working out the weight and balance of the aircraft.
Once in the aircraft, pilots perform a series of operational checks immediately before take-off. For example, they make sure that all the controls and instruments are working properly.
Pilots g (ATCOs) on take-off arrangements. Taking off and landing are often the most difficult parts of the job, so it's important to follow procedures closely.
During the flight, pilots will be in constant contact with ATCOs. In extreme cases, the pilot may be instructed to change course to avoid other aircraft.
The pilot carries out continual checks during the flight. This includes checking:
•the weather conditions
•the fuel load
•air traffic
•the aircraft's technical performance.
Pilots also make announcements to passengers, keeping them informed of progress, weather conditions and any other details of interest.
Pilots must be alert at all times, as they have to be ready to react quickly to any warnings or changes in weather conditions. In the event of an emergency, the pilot has to decide what action to take.
On the approach to their destination, pilots will agree landing arrangements with ATCOs. When the aircraft has finally landed, the pilot will taxi it to its final position.
After the flight, the pilot produces a written report highlighting any difficulties or problems, such as instrument failure.
Pilots, especially long haul ones, travel a lot, so can expect to be away from home on a regular basis.
Personal Qualities and Skills
To do well in this career, you'll need:
•To be able to demonstrate self-reliance, leadership qualities and good, clear communication skills.
•The ability to stay calm under pressure.
•To feel comfortable taking responsibility and be prepared to make important decisions quickly.
•Good hand-eye co-ordination and good spatial awareness.
•An interest in aviation and some knowledge of the subject.
You will need to satisfy the Civil Av
Hi Josh, looks like were in the same boat haha! You should look at OAA (oxford aviation academy) or CTC wings, they both have website and can be both funded by a bank that specialises in funding for pilots. BBVA is the name, google and you will find it :)
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