Pilot Training
Aptitude assessment for potential pilots
Do you have the ‘right stuff’ (the necessary aptitude) to be a pilot?
https://www.airpilots.org/career-matters/careers-information/aptitude-tests/
Job Profiles
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/airline-pilot
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/airline-pilot
Look for job vacancies at:
Websites of individual airlines.
Specialist aviation recruitment companies include:
Becoming a pilot in the uk
Key points to consider:
Becoming a pilot can be a very expensive career choice (Training can cost anything between £70,000 and £120,000).
To become a commercial airline pilot you need to gain an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and a Class 1 Medical Certificate.
You can start training at the age of 18 but can only get the ATPL at the age of 21 years old.
With no previous experience it can take 16-18 months to qualify as a pilot.
You will need the following qualifications :
ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) : https://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-Industry/Professional-pilot-licences/
Class 1 Medical Certificate :https://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-industry/Pilot-licences/Medical/EASA-Part-MED-requirements/
Trainee pilots also need to hold good GCSE passes in mathematics, English and science. A second language will also prove useful. While a degree isn't essential, A-levels are viewed favourably.
While aviation degrees aren't essential a number of universities run relevant courses. For example, Bucks New University offers the BSc Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training, while Kingston University London runs the BSc Aviation Operations with Commercial Pilot Training.
Training as a pilot
Pilot training - offers 2 types of professional flight training ( integated and modular).
Integrated (incorporates theoretical study and practical flying experience) allows trainee pilots without previous flying experience to gain their ATPL within 18 months.
Modular (is completed in stages) it allows individuals to be more flexible, as it allows individuals to work alongside. To be accepted onto this route you need to have gained a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and 150 hours of flying experience.
There are also structured programmes offered through major airlines to recruit more pilots. Previously airlines had sponsored trainee pilots, however they are mostly now self funded.
The first ever apprenticeship standard for commercial airline pilots has been approved. Developed by the Aviation Industry Skills Board and leading aviation employers, the standard aims to make pilot training more accessible. https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/first-officer-pilot/
To look at training options through a flying school the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has a list published here of approved organisations:
Employer examples :
