Airline Pilot

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.

You'll need:

• leadership skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of maths
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• observation and recording skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You will usually be one of two or more pilots who take turns fly or communicate with air traffic control and complete paperwork.

On a typical day you will:

• work out the best route using weather reports and information from air traffic control
• create a flight plan including details of fuel needed and the height you'll need to fly
• carry out pre-flight checks of instruments, engines, fuel and safety systems
• brief the cabin crew
• take instructions from air traffic control
• follow procedures during take off and landing to cut down noise pollution
• check data during the flight and adjust the route where necessary
• tell passengers and crew about journey progress
• write reports about in-flight issues

You could work on an aircraft.

Your working environment may be cramped, physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career tips

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.

Further information

You can find out more about training to become a pilot through Flying Start and the British Airline Pilots' Association.

You'll need to:

• be over 21 years of age
• hold a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
• pass the Civil Aviation Authority medical before you can take a course - the medical includes tests on your fitness, hearing and vision
• pass enhanced background checks