Airline Owner,
I also want to be an airline pilot like you!!! I expect you’re same as me and can’t think of a better job! Earlier this year I e-mailed some pilots from this forum and most were more than happy to help and gave me some excellent advice. I didn’t have a clue at first but I decided to get off my ass and find out as I’m trying to be serious about it! I can help you out a bit from my knowledge from tonnes of research from over the past year and info from airline pilots I’ve spoken/written to. I don’t know how much you already know so I’m sorry if I’m a bit patronising but just in case you don’t know anyway! I think the all the info is correct but tell me if any of it isn’t by all means!
Now, from what I know the main areas you need to have decent qualifications in are Maths, English and Physics. A foreign language (French in my case) and geography are also advantages I’m pretty sure. I’ve chosen to do them anyway as I happen to like them. Airlines always look for good strong qualifications in these core subjects so you’re looking at C or above at GCSE level I would imagine. Surprisingly enough, there are no compulsory GCSE/A-level qualifications to study for an ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence – the standard license that most airline pilots have to have to be able to fly) although many flying schools may well have their own entry requirements before they accept you (which I think is a bit unfair as it’s so expensive!) but there are some that don’t I expect.
The three main training options for future pilots are; Joining a flying school and working your way up the ranks gaining all the qualifications until you have enough hours and experience to apply to an airline (this option is very expensive!!). Joining the RAF and do your training there and then move to commercial aviation and get employment with an airline. The third option is to find an airline who has a sponsored pilot cadet scheme. This would be the first choice for me and I think it’s the best option but unfortunately some airlines aren’t as keen to do it now after Sept 11th because the downturn in trade and overall less demand in the industry. Airlines such as BA, BMI, TCX, MYT, EZY and many others do this I think. It’s mainly the bigger airlines who offer this. The way it works is that you sign up for it with an airline, they select you by looking at your qualifications and interviewing you etc and then they’ll train you for free(**!!) either with a flying school or with the airline’s own school. BA, LH and all the majors have their own schools and the ones that don’t send you to ones like CTC McAlphine in New Zealand (used by Easyjet and Thomas Cook), The Oxford Civil Aviation School (think it’s called), Cabair and other well respected flying schools. The thing is it’s not really free because your first few year(s) flying with the airline that sponsored you are unpaid. I suppose your wages are paid right into your training account. It’s still the best deal I think though.
All of those options are ones to be considered and thought about. None are easy at all (not even Easyjet!!! Oh sorry that’s not really funny is it…?) It’s a very difficult and competitive industry and the important thing for you is to know what’s rite for you and that you’re doing your personal best to the limit. The best thing that will help you the most is a strong will power and determination. Determination can get you anywhere. So I say take it as it goes, work hard and all the best of luck!! Don’t loose focus and you’ll get there I’m sure!
I hope I’ve helped you, Anyone who sees any wrong info please correct it!
Maybe we’ll be fellow pilots one day…
Best of luck again
Joe
Ps: I suggest writing to BALPA (British Airline Pilot’s Association) and asking them for an info booklet about “How to become an airline pilot” . Their address can be obtained from the website and it’s free and really helpful.
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