The job and what it involves
A pilot’s job is to fly aircraft. Pilots may work commercially and fly planes for airlines such as Easyjet, Flybe or British Airways. However, pilots can also work in the military and work for the Royal Air Force. Prior to the flight, pilots are responsible for studying flight plans and making sure the aircraft controls are working effectively. They are also responsible for checking weather conditions and coordinating with air traffic control. As a pilot you will also have to communicate effectively with passengers and may have to write reports after flights, especially if there are any incidents or problems.
Being a pilot is a huge responsibility as much of their work concerns the safety of passengers, in the profession you may have to take executive decisions as to emergency procedures or whether or not to go ahead with a flight.
The main areas of work
Unsurprisingly, working in the travel industry you will end up in many different locations. As a pilot you will find yourself abroad often and may fly long-haul routes all over the world. Most aircrafts fly with three to four pilots, depending on the distance of the route.
If flights are long-haul you may have to stay in different locations overnight with the aircraft crew before flying a return flight. Hotel expenses are normally paid by your employer, but it can make the job inconvenient, especially for those with families.
Qualities required
You will need the skills of attention to detail, organisation and good discernment. Additionally you will be required to be physically fit and in good general health. Colour blind and deaf people cannot become pilots by law. Good skills of communication are also important as you will be working with a team. A sense of responsibility and focus is also important to ensure the safety of your crew. You must also be level headed and calm in situations of emergency.
Qualifications
The career is very competitive and those with a degree will have an advantage. There is a minimum requirement of 5 GCSES A-C including English and Maths and at least 2 A levels (preferable in Maths or Physics). If you have an aeronautical engineering background it would also be advantageous.
To gain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) it requires a class 2 medical test, a minimum of 45 hours of flying and several written exams and tests. To gain a Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) you must undertake a class 1 medical examination.
If you wish to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) you have to be aged 17-24 and undertake a conversion course after obtaining your PPL and CPL licences. In order to undertake residential training with the RAF you need to pass a selection process involving an interview, medical, aptitude and fitness tests. To become an officer you must complete a 32 week residential course.
Route to success
Work experience would be advantageous to get an insight into the career and what it involves. Additionally, joining a local Air Training Course (ATC) or Air Cadets would be a way to ease yourself into the profession and to show your interest in the field.
Salary
Salaries vary according to your position, what airline you work for and what line of the industry you are involved in. A pilot employed on a small regional airline may earn £18,000, whilst you can earn up to £48,000 working for a larger airline. The average salary for an RAF officer is £38,000.
The pay often includes benefits such as airline discounts, uniform and pensions.
Star player
Polly Vacher is an English pilot who specialises in long distance solo flights. After obtaining her private pilot license with her husband in Australia in 1994, she set out tour the United States in 1997, flying solo across the North Atlantic in both directions.
In 2001, in support of the charity Flying Scholarships for the Disabled, Vacher made a solo eastbound circumnavigation of the world and became the first woman to fly solo around the world via Australia in the smallest aircraft, with just one engine.
In 2003, Vacher became the first solo woman to fly over the Polar Regions – all in aid of the same charity.
Useful links
To find out more about a career as a military pilot look at: www.raf.mod.uk/careers.
www.pilotweb.aero for more information about a career in the aviation industry.
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