Airline pilot

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• applying directly
• a trainee scheme
• specialist courses run by private training organisations

University

You could do a university degree in air transport or aviation if you're 18 or over.

Your university degree will:

• include commercial pilot training with an approved flight training organisation
• lead to a 'frozen' Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) which allows you to work as a co-pilot and build up the necessary flying hours to become a captain

Medical certificates

You'll need to have a minimum of a Class 2 medical certificate  before you start a course.

You'll then need to apply for the higher level Class 1 medical certificate during your course to get your Commercial Pilot Licence. You could choose to apply for the Class 1 medical certificate before you start your course.

Fees and funding

As well as standard university fees, you'll need to fund the flight training part of your course. Your university can advise you about this.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to the Civil Aviation Authority's Military Accreditation Scheme to become a commercial pilot if you have flying experience in the armed forces.

OtherRoutes

You could apply to join a pilot training programme with a passenger airline .

Private flying school

You could also train with a private flying school to get your Commercial Pilot Licence. Courses can take at least a year and 6 months of full time study.

You can find details about flight training schools  from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• leadership skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of maths
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• observation and recording skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of geography
• concentration skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Airline pilots fly passengers and cargo to destinations around the world.

As an airline pilot, you'll work with a co-pilot to:

• fly the plane and communicate with air traffic control
• work out the best route using weather reports and air traffic control data
• create a flight plan and carry out pre-flight checks
• communicate with cabin crew and passengers
• follow procedures during take-off and landing to reduce noise pollution
• write reports, check data during the flight and adjust the route if necessary

Location : You could work on an aircraft.
Environment : Your working environment may be cramped, physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £110,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

You'll start by training as a co-pilot. When you’ve completed at least 1,500 flying hours, you can apply for an 'unfrozen' or full Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and qualify as an airline captain. This will usually take 3 to 5 years after you get your full ATPL.

With experience, you could become a flight training instructor or an operations manager.