Airline Pilot

Also known as:

Aircraft Pilot
Pilot, Airline

Introduction

Airline pilots have overall responsibility for the safety of aircraft, passengers and crew. Before the flight they study flight plans and make sure that the controls of the aircraft are working properly. They also check weather conditions and liaise with air traffic control.

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Work Activities

An airline pilot has overall responsibility for the safety of an aircraft, crew and passengers. Most aircraft are operated by at least two pilots: captain and co-pilot.

Before take-off, pilots plan the flight. This involves activities such as:
• obtaining weather forecasts
• planning routes
• calculating the weight and balance of the aircraft.

Most of this information is produced by a computer, but the pilot must be able to understand the data and interpret it.

Once in the aircraft, immediately before take-off, pilots perform a range of operational checks to make sure that all the controls and instruments are working properly.

Taking off and landing are the most challenging aspects of the job; pilots must handle the controls themselves while monitoring the instruments and making any necessary changes. They also ensure that the crew members have alerted passengers to emergency safety procedures, and liaise with air traffic controllers to make sure they are clear for take-off or landing.

During the flight, pilots use navigational and flying skills to monitor the aircraft's computer systems. They keep in touch with air traffic control, and monitor the aircraft's technical performance and fuel load, as well the weather conditions. Pilots also make announcements to passengers, keeping them informed of progress, weather conditions and any other details of interest.

They must be alert at all times as they have to be ready to react quickly to any warnings or changes in weather conditions. If there is an emergency, the pilot is responsible for deciding on appropriate action to take. After the flight, the pilot produces a written report highlighting any difficulties or problems, such as instrument failure.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must be able to demonstrate self-reliance, leadership qualities and good, clear communication skills. You must feel comfortable taking responsibility and be prepared to make important decisions in a very short space of time. You will need to stay calm under pressure.

You should have good hand-eye co-ordination skills and good spatial awareness. Good observational skills and the ability to interpret maps and displays are essential. You should be an analytical thinker, with the ability to understand technical data and interpret it correctly.

You will need to satisfy the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) medical requirements. Airlines usually specify weight/height ratios. You should have normal vision and your colour vision may be tested. You need to be extremely fit and healthy.

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Pay and Opportunities

Airline pilots' salaries vary depending on experience and hours and industry supply/demand.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Airline pilots earn in the range of £24,000 - £38,000 a year depending on type rating acquired. Experienced pilots earn around £45,000 a year. Salaries for captains are around £45,000 - £75,000 and higher salaries, up to £100,000, are possible with some airlines.

While there are strict rules governing the number of hours a pilot can fly, hours of work can be irregular and often unpredictable (due to weather conditions, for example).

Employers are airlines, large and small, UK based and international. There are opportunities with passenger, charter and freight companies. Vacancies are fairly limited and depend on the economic climate.

Some pilots work as instructors.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some airlines prefer applicants with maths or science subjects at Higher or equivalent.

Application can be made for flying scholarships and bursaries from the following organisations:
• Air League Educational Trust
• British Women Pilots' Association
• Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators (GAPAN).

A very few airlines operate sponsorship schemes, and then only rarely, with intense competition for places. Further information is available from the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA).

Self-funding is possible, but very expensive (in excess of £60,000). The European Pilots Selection and Training (EPST) First Officer Programme is open to all European Union (EU) candidates, and accepts trainees up to age 33.

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