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Pilot

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A pilot is someone who flies aircraft such as aeroplanes or helicopters. In the UK, pilots can work for commercial airlines, fly cargo, or even pilot private jets. The role involves operating the aircraft, planning routes, checking weather conditions, and making sure passengers and crew are safe during flights. Pilots must have a strong understanding of navigation, meteorology, and how aircraft systems work. To become a pilot, you need to complete specialist training and gain a commercial pilot's licence. The job can be exciting, as it often involves travelling to different countries and working with a team in the cockpit and cabin. However, pilots need to be highly responsible, as they are in charge of everyone on board.

Pilot

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Commercial airline pilots in the UK typically earn between £35,000 and £120,000 per year, depending on experience and the type of aircraft flown.

Job Openings

There are around 10,000 professional pilots currently employed in the UK, with job growth linked to the expansion of the aviation industry.

Training Duration

It usually takes 18 to 24 months of training to become a fully qualified commercial pilot, including ground school and flying hours.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Commercial Airline Pilot

Fly passenger planes for airlines, taking people to different places around the world.

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Helicopter Pilot

Operate helicopters for various jobs, such as search and rescue, news reporting, or transporting people.

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Flight Instructor

Teach others how to fly aeroplanes or helicopters, helping them become safe and skilled pilots.

Explore and Build Foundations

Learn About the Role

Research what pilots do, the different types of pilots, and the skills needed.

You can find information about being a pilot from career websites, documentaries, and by talking to people in the industry. Understanding the daily tasks, responsibilities, and work environment will help you decide if this is the right path for you.

Focus on Subjects Like Maths and Science

Work hard in school, especially in maths, physics, and English.

Pilots need good maths and science skills to understand aerodynamics, navigation, and weather. English is important because it is the international language of aviation. Doing well in these subjects at GCSE level will prepare you for further study.

Take Part in Aviation Activities

Join clubs or activities related to flying, such as Air Cadets or aviation events.

Air Cadets and similar organisations offer opportunities to learn about aviation, take part in flying experiences, and develop teamwork and leadership skills. You might also visit airshows, museums, or airports to see pilots in action.

Begin Pilot Training

Take an Introductory Flight

Book a trial flying lesson at a local flying school to see what flying feels like.

A trial lesson lets you experience being in the cockpit with a qualified instructor. It helps you decide if you enjoy flying and want to take it further. Many flying clubs and schools offer these lessons to beginners.

Start Flight Training

Begin formal training for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).

You can start flight training once you are at least 17 years old for a PPL, or 18 for an ATPL. Training includes both theory lessons and practical flying hours. You will need to pass medical checks and exams. Some people choose a university course that includes pilot training.

Pass Medical and Theory Exams

Complete required medical tests and pass theory exams as part of your training.

Pilots must meet specific health standards, so you will take a Class 1 medical examination. Theory exams cover topics like navigation, weather, and air law. Passing these is essential to continue training and eventually qualify as a pilot.

Gain Experience and Progress

Build Flying Hours

Gain more flying experience by logging flight hours and practising different flying skills.

To work for airlines, you often need to build up a certain number of flying hours. You can do this by working as a flight instructor, flying privately, or in other aviation jobs. More experience helps improve your skills and makes you more employable.

Apply for Pilot Jobs

Look for job openings with airlines, charter companies, or other employers.

Once you have your licence and enough flight hours, you can apply to work as a co-pilot or first officer. Airline recruitment processes often include assessments and interviews. Building a professional network can also help you find opportunities.

Continue Professional Development

Keep learning and stay updated with new regulations and training.

Pilots must regularly complete training and checks to keep their skills sharp and licences valid. You may also work towards becoming a captain or specialise in different types of aircraft. Lifelong learning is important in aviation.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Pilot. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

The job title 'Pilot' most closely matches 'Airline pilot' as both require specialised aviation training, certification, and the ability to operate aircraft safely in commercial settings. The skills, responsibilities, and qualifications are aligned, focusing on navigation, communication, and adherence to aviation regulations.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • applying directly
  • a trainee scheme
  • specialist courses run by private training organisations

University

You could do a university degree which includes pilot studies.

Your university degree will:

  • include commercial pilot training with an approved flight training organisation
  • lead to a 'frozen' Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) which allows you to work as a co-pilot and build up the necessary flying hours to become a captain

Medical certificates

You'll need to have a minimum of a Class 2 medical certificate before you start a course.

You'll then need to apply for the higher level Class 1 medical certificate during your course to get your Commercial Pilot Licence. You could choose to apply for the Class 1 medical certificate before you start your course.

Fees and funding

As well as standard university fees, you'll need to fund the flight training part of your course. Your university can advise you about this.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Direct Application

If you have flying experience in the armed forces, you could apply directly to the Civil Aviation Authority's Military Accreditation Scheme to become a commercial pilot.

Other Routes

You could apply to join a pilot training programme with a passenger airline.

Private flying school

You could also train with a private flying school to get your Commercial Pilot Licence. Courses can take at least a year and 6 months of full time study.

You can find details about flight training schools from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

More Information

Career tips

Pilot training is expensive so research which route is best for you and your circumstances. 

You can also research scholarships to see if you can get any financial support with your training.

Pilot salaries can vary widely, depending on the size of the airline, your rank, how long you've flown for, and company bonus schemes and allowances.

Further information

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

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