Airline Pilot

Airline pilots carry passengers and freight on commercial flights. They use their intensive training and experience to fly an aircraft safely through busy airspace and all kinds of weather conditions.

Pilots work in pairs. One operates the controls, while the other communicates with air traffic controllers.

A pilot's task includes:

• carrying out pre-flight checks on the aircraft's systems, the route and the weather
• deciding how much fuel to carry
• briefing the cabin crew
• following air traffic control instructions for takeoff
• keeping passengers informed throughout the journey
• dealing with any emergency, such as potential security breaches
• monitoring in-flight data
• bringing the plane in to land, again with the help of air traffic control
• writing a flight report after each trip.

Pilots work shifts. Most also do some standby duties, where they can be called on at short notice. Those who work on long-distance flights spend a lot of time away from home. Cargo pilots usually work at night.

Salaries start from around £32,000 per year, while experienced captains may earn up to £125,000.

A pilot must be:

• comfortable working with complex technical detail, technology and numbers
• able to process information quickly
• dexterous
• quick thinking
• decisive
• calm under pressure, with good stamina
• a clear and confident communicator
• a good leader
• effective as part of a team
• flexible.

There is often fierce competition for posts. New pilots may need to pay for extra training to gain the experience that airlines seek.

Pilots need to gain an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). This can take around 18 months if undertaken intensively, and costs around £90,000. The training can also be undertaken on a staggered basis, at a cost of around £45,000.

A few bursaries and scholarships are available, but most pilots need to pay for their own training.

Newly qualified pilots start as co-pilots or first officers. After gaining 1,500 hours' flying experience they can apply for captain positions. This can take around ten years.

Pilots need to take regular tests and refresher training throughout their careers.

With experience, they can take on training roles, or move to positions in recruitment or management. There are opportunities to work for overseas airlines.

Further details