Pilots are responsible for flying aircraft. They may fly passengers and cargo for business or leisure purposes.
Qualifications and entry requirements
A frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) is required to work as a pilot. To gain such a licence, it is necessary to pass written examinations and log at least 200 hours of flight training. An ATPL licence can be obtained in many ways. The majority of pilots go down the full-time integrated training route, which requires candidates to be at least 17 or 18 years and to have at least three GCSEs in English, maths and science. It is also possible to enter into a trainee pilot role through the Armed Forces or through a flying scholarship from an organisation such as the Air League Education Trust.
All of the major airlines provide their new recruits with an induction course. Pilots usually start their careers as co-pilots, working alongside senior members of staff on short-haul flights. Once in employment, they can gain their full ATPL following undertaking 1,500 hours of flying. A full ATPL is a necessity for those who wish to be promoted to captain.
Skills and salary information
To work as a pilot, it is essential to be able to keep calm under pressure, process data quickly and efficiently, and feel confident using complex technology. Pilots should also be able to interpret maps and demonstrate evidence of excellent hand-to-eye co-ordination and outstanding communication skills.
Pilots are employed by chartered, scheduled and freight airlines. Vacancies for pilots are advertised through pilots associations, industry publications and specialist recruitment agencies. Jobs often require pilots to work long shifts and spend nights away from home.
Starting salaries for trained pilots may be between £20,000 and £38,000 a year, with salaries varying between airlines.