Airline pilot

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.

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 receive guidance from air traffic controllers (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 Aviation Authority (CAA) medical requirements. Airlines usually specify weight/height ratios. Although specifications vary, most pilots are between 5 ft 2 inches and 6 ft 3 inches tall. You should have good vision (it is fine if glasses are needed to achieve this). Normal colour vision is essential. You need an excellent level of health and fitness. A driving licence is often required for people wishing to get into this job. Some employers will expect you to live near the airport. This usually means being within one-hour’s travel from the airport.

The following future skills shortages have been identified:

Customer service skills.
Communication skills.
IT skills.
Safety/accident management skills.

Pay and opportunities

Airline pilots’ salaries vary depending on experience and hours and industry supply/demand. The pay rates given are approximate. Salaries for smaller airlines may start around £35,000 per year. However this is likely to increase significantly and at the top end, you could earn as much as £110,000.

While there are strict rules governing the number of hours a pilot can fly, hours of work can be irregular and often unpredictable (due to weather conditions, for example).

Employers are airlines, large and small. Pilots work from airports throughout the UK. Opportunities for UK trained pilots also occur with foreign airlines.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, on the Government’s Find a Job service, and via the pilot union British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA). Vacancies are also advertised on airline websites.

Entry routes and training

You could do a university degree in air transport or aviation. This will include commercial pilot training with an approved flight training organisation. Your course will also result in 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.

Alternatively, you could train with a private flying school to gain a Commercial Pilot Licence. Courses can take at least a year and 6 months of full-time study.

A level 6 (higher) apprenticeship is available in the role of first officer pilot.

Qualifications

To get onto a degree course, you will need:

Two to three A-levels.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in two to three other subjects.

Alternatives to A levels include:

Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

You will need also need to gain a Class 2 medical certificate before beginning your course. Before you can gain your Commercial Pilot Licence, you’ll need to gain a class 1 medical certificate.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some airlines prefer applicants with maths/science subjects at A level standard or equivalent.

Funding applications can be made for flying scholarships and bursaries from the following organisations:

Air League.
British Women Pilots’ Association.
Guild of Air Pilots & Air Navigators (GAPAN).
Royal Aero Club Trust (16-21).

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