A pilot is someone who is licensed to fly commercial and private planes, as well as military planes.
Who can I work for?
As a pilot you could expect to work for any airline, such as Monarch, Thomas Cook, British Airways or easyJet, to name just a few.
Where and when can I work?
Most pilots work shifts, with working conditions being both physically and mentally demanding, due to adapting to different time zones. Considerable time will be spent away from home, so this should be taken into account when applying for a job.
What can I earn?
Commercial pilot salaries will be about £55,000 for short-haul pilots, while those on long-haul can earn more than £100,000, increasing with experience.
What are the benefits?
Pilots from the UK are only allowed to fly for 900 hours a year, so you're working month is limited at times. However, when pilots aren't scheduled to meet their full quota of flying time, there's the opportunity to earn extra money.
Are there chances of promotion?
Military personnel will often move into commercial flying. Health issues may result in careers finishing earlier than anticipated but pilots are renowned for their professionalism and will move into a wide variety of roles.
What will I be responsible for?
As a pilot you could expect to be responsible for the lives of your crew and passengers, ensuring the aircraft is in working order, briefing cabin staff, monitoring weather conditions, deciding how much fuel to carry, and working closely with air traffic control.
What qualifications do I need?
Flying is a highly competitive career, with scholarships available for those that who want to become a commercial pilot. There's also the option to learn to fly with the military, as well as obtaining a Private Pilot's Licence (PPL), and then undergoing further study and training to qualify as a commercial pilot. You would also be expected to have a strong academic background and a good set of GCSEs and A-levels, with it being particularly beneficial to if you study maths and physics.
Do I need any experience?
The best experience you could obtain would be joining your local Air Cadets group, as this will provide a foundation in key skills, teaching individuals aged 13-19 to fly. This type of experience will show how keen you are to be a pilot.
What attributes are needed?
You need to be calm in potentially highly stressful environments, with good, clear communication skills particularly important. You also need to be physically fit, as there is an impact on the body when flying at altitude and working shifts.