Pilots usually take turns to fly the plane to avoid fatigue, with one operating the controls, while the other speaks to air traffic control and completes the paperwork. In some instances, such as long-haul flights, there may be three or four pilots on board so that each can take the necessary breaks from flying.
The captain has overall responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft and the safety of crew and passengers. You'll face heavy responsibility and personal commitment. You have to pass stringent training courses, followed by recurrent training every six months, in order to maintain the relevant licence required for the job.
Some companies run apprenticeship schemes for fully-trained pilots looking for their first job, where salaries may be lower but further training will be paid for by the company. Starting salaries may be higher in other companies, but you'll be required to fund the additional training yourself.
A pilot's salary is often incremental, rising with each year of service with the company. Benefits usually include a pension scheme, various allowances and discounted travel.
Expect to work unusual hours as being a pilot is not a 9am to 5pm job. The length of a working day varies depending on the company and route, but can range from three to twelve hours. Start times will often differ depending on the route, sometimes beginning in the early morning and sometimes late at night. The training requires a good level of understanding of maths and physics and so any qualifications that demonstrate this may be an advantage.
A degree or postgraduate qualification is not required, although some people may choose to take one to make them stand out from the crowd. Related degrees are available, for example Buckinghamshire New University offers a BSc Hons in Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training, but these aren't essential to become an airline pilot and costs for the flight training are on top of the normal degree costs. There are other degrees, such as aviation management, aviation technology and aircraft engineering, which are combined with pilot studies.
These courses can help start you off in flying as they typically cover the theoretical work you'll need for a private pilot's licence. Flying lessons may be available but they'll be at an additional cost.
This qualification is known as a 'frozen ATPL' and becomes 'unfrozen' when a certain number of hours and experience have been achieved. It's important, when considering routes into the career, that you choose the right one for you. The two main ways to achieve an ATPL are as follows:. Full or part sponsorship from an airline which pays for your training is sometimes available, but usually only when the aviation industry is doing well and there is a high demand for pilots.
Competition is extremely fierce for sponsorship opportunities. It's a requirement that all airline pilots pass this medical and, if you don't, you won't be able to complete the training to achieve the ATPL. The Honourable Company of Air Pilots runs aptitude tests, which are useful if you have little or no flying experience to see if you may be suited to a career as a pilot.
Information on how to register for one of these is available at Air Pilots: Aptitude Tests. If you train, or have trained, as a pilot in the RAF, Navy or Army, you can become a commercial airline pilot. To do so, you need to complete a civil aviation course and gain a conversion qualification. Each application will be screened individually by a member of the British Airways Pilot recruitment team. Those who pass the initial screening process will be invited to attend the first selection day.
The first day will involve a Right to Work check, followed by aptitude tests including verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and one computer based capacity assessment. Those candidates who are successful on day one will be invited to attend the second day of the selection process.
This will comprise a group exercise and an interview with a British Airways Pilot and an HR colleague. Please note that these two selection days are run separately, and there is not normally the option to attend the two days concurrently.
The simulator assessment will be undertaken with one of our Training Pilots. Candidates are normally offered a maximum of 12 months in the hold pool, during which we will endeavour to match you to a vacancy. We are committed to hiring the very best talent from across the industry and we cannot wait for you to join us at this incredibly exciting time.
As a company our number one priority is to maintain the safety and security of our people and our customers. Pre-employment checks on all new joiners are essential. We have specific regulatory requirements that apply to these checks, as we are an aviation business.
These checks may seem quite complex and time consuming. For airside roles we need to do a full five year pre-employment check, this includes education, ALL jobs, gaps and holidays of more than 28 days, along with documentary evidence. It is important that you provide us with accurate, and in-depth information. Discrepancies cause delay and may affect your start date.
This allows you to apply to airlines to work as a co-pilot and build up the necessary flying hours to become an airline captain. As well as standard university fees, you will need to fund the flight training part of your course. Universities can advise you about this.
You may be able to apply directly to the Civil Aviation Authority's Military Accreditation Scheme to become a commercial pilot, if you have flying experience in the armed forces. You can apply for a place on a pilot training programme with a passenger airline.
You can also train with a private flying school to get your Commercial Pilot's Licence. Courses can take at least 18 months of full-time study. Part-time or modular courses will take longer. The Civil Aviation Authority has details of flight training schools. The Honourable Company of Air Pilots has a test for people with little or no flying experience.
Pilot training is expensive and this could help you decide whether you're suited to this career before you spend money on training. English is the international language of flying, so airlines will expect you to have a good GCSE pass, or equivalent, in the subject. Skills in another language can also give you an advantage, for example if you want to work for an overseas airline.
It may also help you to stand out from other applicants, as competition for jobs is strong. You can find out more about training to become a pilot through Flying Start. Pilot careers — Who are we looking for?
Pilot Recruitment Partner We have selected Zenon as our exclusive recruitment partner to support the recruitment process of our Pilots until Start your Pilot career with Virgin Atlantic. Sign up now. What are the requirements for becoming a Virgin Atlantic First Officer? Hours required may vary based on business need.
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