First Officer

Liam Smith is a first officer for Air Southwest, a regional airline covering domestic scheduled services from the south west of England. He is based in Plymouth.

How would you outline your role?

I work as part of a team with an experienced captain to fly business and leisure passengers on short-haul flights in the UK. We fly a De Havilland Canada - 8 300 which carries a maximum of 50 passengers.

What are your main responsibilities?

When we arrive we receive a brief on the schedule for the day. Before a flight one pilot does the outside walk around, to check there are no problems with the body of the plane, whilst the other sets up the aircraft for departure. We then alternate between flying and navigating, swapping roles after each journey. Our scheduled times are very tight. We have 15 minutes after landing to get passengers off, refuel and get passengers on before we take off.

What hours do you work?

There are strict guidelines as to how many hours a pilot can fly. We can't fly more than 900 hours a year and restrictions are also calculated on a monthly basis. I work an average of 30 hours a week. I normally work four shifts a week, alternating a week of earlies with a week of lates. I never start earlier than 5am and never finish later than 11pm.

What is your work environment like?

My main work environment is a lovely plane. The cockpit - the size of four telephone boxes - isn't cramped. Much of the time I'm in a seat upfront at 25,000 feet, with the best views in the plane! I get to see lots of sunsets and sunrises, but my favourite sight is when you hit the top of the clouds.

Who do you work with?

I work with captains and the cabin crew, rostering and operations staff, dispatchers, fuellers and engineers, at the home base in Plymouth.

What skills or qualities do you need?

Communication skills are important as you need to be clear and concise when talking via a headset. You also need to be able to multi-task and concentrate for long periods. You need the ability to learn, as you've never finished training as a pilot.

Why did you choose this type of work?

I had a trial flight lesson in a Cessna plane when I was 12 years old and really enjoyed the buzz. While I was at university I started flying lessons in my spare time and achieved my Private Pilot's Licence. It was then I realised I could actually pursue flying as a career and not just for pleasure, so decided to train to be a professional pilot.

What training have you done?

I went to Oxford Aviation Academy and gained the generic professional pilot's qualification - The "frozen" Airline Transport Pilot's Licence. This involved obtaining a Commercial Pilot's Licence with instrument rating (this means that I can fly on my own in bad weather), and a Multicrew Co-operation Certificate. I've received training at Air Southwest and will receive ongoing training throughout my career.

Do you use any special tools or equipment?

Just the plane! We use autopilot, which allows the computer to fulfil basic flying tasks and a computerised flight-management system for navigation. Our aircraft also has sophisticated equipment installed that allows it to take off and land in bad weather.

What do you like about your job?

I only started in April and this is my first job as a pilot, so I'm still in the honeymoon period and there's nothing I dislike. I really enjoy flying, so flying the aircraft is the best part of the job.

What are the main challenges?

The safety of the passengers and cabin crew is the over-riding priority for pilots. The weather is also a major challenge. You can do your best to predict it, but mother nature will take her course. We try to minimise turbulence, but our speed is determined by headwinds and tailwinds.

How do you see your future?

I'm very happy in my present job and the airline I work for is very good on training. My next step, with further training and assessments and a minimum of 2,500 flying hours, would be to apply for a senior first officer's post and then a captain's position.

Liam's route

• Advanced Highers in physics and chemistry.
• Physics degree at St Andrew's University.
• Gained Private Pilot's Licence.
• Qualified as a professional pilot.
• Started first job as a first officer.

Liam's tips

• It's really important to start with a trial flight in a light aircraft, to see if you get a buzz, or just get air sick! Also try to get some flying hours, to see whether or not you have a natural ability.
• Try to get involved with aviation related activities, for example by joining a gliding club.
• Have a class 1 medical examination before spending any money on training.