HOW DO YOU BECOME AN AIRLINE PILOT? Part 1.
When I tell people that I am an airline pilot, the usual response is “Oh I always wanted to be a pilot!” Followed by “But I never had the money.”
Well I’m going to tell you how you can do it!
- Where To Start. Is aviation right for you? First thing to do is go and treat yourself to a Trial Introductory Flight (TIF) at your local flying school to find out. This will give you a taste of flying and to confirm if it’s for you or not. You may just find out that you become airsick and really can’t handle it! Great Birthday or Christmas present.
- Aviation Medical.Second on your list should be your aviation medical. This will confirm if you have any medical condition that may limit your ability to be a commercial pilot, such as colour blindness. Contact Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Civil Aviation Authority UK (CAA) or Joint Aviation Authority EU (JAA) to find your local Licensed Aviation Medical Doctor.
- Financing. Learning to fly can be expensive, anywhere from $70,000 to $100,000. There are two approaches you can take. Firstly, most airlines these days will offer a cadetship where the cost of your flying is either paid for or heavily subsidised. In return the airline will want a return of service of at least five years. If this is not for you, you can always pay for your flying yourself. There are financial institutions that can and will loan you the money or alternatively you can pay for your training as you go.
- Work. Work. Work. But which job is best for you. One that pays well, is flexible and if possible is in the industry. This can be particularly important for future job applications. It helps to show that you are interested in the industry as a whole, along with exposure to different aspects of the industry and will give you great insight into how an airline works. As a bonus you may get to meet the airline staff, pilots in particular are more than happy to give tips and ideas and even mentor you throughout your career. This can be especially helpful for those who don’t have contacts within the industry.
Consider– airport and airline ground staff, baggage handler, airport security, airline catering and aircraft cleaning services to mention just a few.
- Save. Save. Save. There are many ways to save as you go, live at home, limit your social expenses and do your flying in big chunks rather than a few times a month.
- Aviation Theory. Begin your study before embarking on your flying. You can home study all of your licenses including General Flying Progress Test (GFPT), Private Pilot License (PPL) and your Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL). A pass in all theory exams is required before sitting your practical licence, again contact your national regulatory authority for guidance on what is required for each license.
There are some great textbooks available to help with your home study. Alternatives are TAFE courses or your own flight school run theory courses.
- Begin Your Flying.
Continues in Next weeks blog, including how to choose a flying school, when to conduct your flying, what aircraft is best, Instrument Rating V’s Instructor Rating and more.
For further information, career guidance or interview coaching contact Sasha at sasha@flightdeckconsulting.com
