Airline pilot

Career path and progression

You'll start by training as a co-pilot. When you’ve completed at least 1,500 flying hours, you can apply for an 'unfrozen' or full Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and qualify as an airline captain. This will usually take 3 to 5 years after you get your full ATPL.

With experience, you could become a flight training instructor or an operations manager.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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 confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• 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
• be 18 to get a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and 21 to get an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)
• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Mathematics - Airline pilots use maths constantly – calculating fuel loads, flight times, distances, descent rates, and weight and balance figures before every flight. They also need to interpret navigational data and make quick mental calculations when adjusting routes or dealing with changing conditions.
• Physics - Airline pilots need to understand the principles of flight, including lift, drag, thrust, and gravity, as well as how weather systems and air pressure affect an aircraft. Knowledge of physics also helps them understand how engines, instruments, and control systems work.
• Geography - Airline pilots plan routes across the globe and need to understand weather patterns, jet streams, time zones, and atmospheric conditions. Knowledge of physical geography helps them anticipate turbulence, avoid hazardous weather, and choose the safest and most efficient flight paths.

Also relevant

• Computer Science - Airline pilots work with sophisticated flight management systems, autopilot software, and digital navigation tools that require an understanding of how computerised systems process and display data. Being comfortable with how these systems work helps pilots programme routes, troubleshoot alerts, and manage automated systems effectively.
• English Language - Airline pilots must communicate clearly and precisely with air traffic control, cabin crew, and passengers, often under time pressure. They also write detailed flight reports and need to interpret technical manuals and safety documentation accurately.
• Modern Foreign Languages - Airline pilots fly to destinations around the world and regularly interact with international air traffic controllers, crew, and ground staff. While English is the standard language of aviation, knowledge of other languages can be a real advantage when operating in different countries.
• Design and Technology - Airline pilots benefit from understanding how mechanical and electronic systems are designed and how they function together. This practical knowledge helps when carrying out pre-flight checks on aircraft systems and understanding how the controls and instruments they rely on actually work.