Airline pilot
Airline pilots fly passengers and cargo to destinations around the world.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As an airline pilot, you'll work with a co-pilot to:
- fly the plane and communicate with air traffic control
- work out the best route using weather reports and air traffic control data
- create a flight plan and carry out pre-flight checks
- communicate with cabin crew and passengers
- follow procedures during take-off and landing to reduce noise pollution
- write reports, check data during the flight and adjust the route if necessary
Working environment
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 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
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
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
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.
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).
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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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.