Those who are lucky enough would get selected to a military pilot career or one of the very few civilian sponsored programs with an airline. Others have to find the money to train as pilot and get the necessary licences to pursue a commercial pilot career.

Military Pilot Career

The military has been the traditional starting point for many seeking the pilot career. In the past this was brought about by the need for national military service. The military is also the place to fly the fast exciting aircraft that challenge the pilot at the highest level. There are three main choices Army, Navy and Fleet Air Arm or The Royal Air Force. Entry to all three services is now very competitive.

The Royal Air Force is the primary service for Air Power and is the main force for air defence, attack and air support. Only officers are trained for the pilot career in the RAF and RN but a pilot career is available to officers and non-commissioned officers in the Army.

Entry requirements are as follows:

Navy
Age 17. minimum 2 A level /AH grades or 3 H grades and 3 GCSE/S grades must include English language and maths. Alternative qualifications will be considered.

Army
Age 17yrs 9months .The majority of army officers are graduates but the minimum requirements are 5GCSE /S grades, 2Alevels or 3 H grades. with English language maths and a standard grade science subject or a foreign language.

RAF
Age 17. Almost 50% will have a degree. The minimum is 5GCSE/SCE and 2 A levels, or 3 Highers or equivalent to include English language and Maths.

The Commercial Pilot Career

In order to earn money as a pilot you need to obtain at least a COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE.

The pilot career includes a variety of occupations from airline flying to crop dusting. The training can take up to two years. You need excellent spatial awareness allowing you to interpret maps and three dimensional displays and good mathematical skills. Once you have obtained the minimum licence you can work as a co -pilot or first officer or you can add an instructor rating and teach to earn a living.

Alternatives are glider towing, crop spraying, and other jobs to broaden your experience.

Most people seeking the pilot career will be looking toward the airlines for employment. To achieve this it is best to train on an Integrated Course as this is the more favoured route by the airlines as they know the standard of training is consistent. To fly Multi-crew aircraft you must complete the Multi-crew Co-operation course which is included in the integrated course system although it can be taken separately.

Entry requirements. Age 18, Class 1 medical. A degree is a considerable advantage but not essential. English language and maths are necessary for the pilot career. It is also advisable to take an aptitude test of suitability before spending a lot of money on training.

Pilot Careers With Different Licences

We now look at the different pailot career options avaialble for different types of licences.

Pilot Career with PPL

Basically flying for fun and gaining experience on the way to commercial licences if desired. Limited to three passengers and a maximum weight 2000kgs. A large variety of aircraft are available.

Pilot Career with PPL and Instrument Rating

The holder cannot work for reward but can use the airways and carry out beacon approaches to airfields. Not all airfields are available as some such as Heathrow and Gatwick have strict limits. The holder can fly as an unpaid pilot assistant.
The holder can also fly any aircraft that his rating allows but is limited to 2000kg and a maximum of three passengers.

Pilot Career with PPL and Instructor Rating

The holder can teach on aircraft for which he is rated provided he has the required level of experience on the type. The holder must be a member of the same organisation as the student. Can only be paid if teaching for a licence such as NPPL or the leisure licence shortly to be available. Most of the aircraft in this field are the Piper or Cessna single engine aircraft.

Pilot Career with CPL only

This is the basic licence that is required to enable the holder to receive payment. The holder can fly twin engined aircraft as captain operating as single pilot crew. They can carry passengers and fly with a pilot assistant. Aircraft types are Piper Seneca, Chieftain, Cessna 310, Beech Barons and similar types. This area of work has limited opportunities and strong competition. Many pilots seek to build their experience in this field. The holder cannot fly in airways and must have the appropriate type ratings. Weather limitations limit the holder’s flexibility and thus the work available. Work is charter flying, crop spraying and bush pilot

Pilot Career with CPL and Instrument Rating

The holder can operate as for CPL, and can fly in the Airways. Opportunities for work are greater as weather limitations are less restrictive. The holder is able to operate when weather deteriorates and is more likely to obtain work on aircraft such as ATR and similar. Employment on regional airlines may be available. The Piper and Cessna range of aircraft remain the most common in use for general aviation. The holder will qualify for an ATPL with the required amount of experience. It is important to have the Multicrew Co-operation Licence as soon as possible if not already held. If the holder has completed the Integrated route of training then he will be able to fly as first officer on Multi-crew Aircraft which can include Boeing 747 and the Airbus family.

Pilot Career with CPL and Instructor Rating

The holder can teach on aircraft as above without belonging to the same organisation. The holder can be remunerated.

Pilot Career with ATPL

The holder can operate as captain on Multi-crew Aircraft. The holder can fly in command or first officer on any aircraft for which he holds the rating such as Boeing 747, Airbus family and any other types.

Airline Training Captains

Usually these are very experienced pilots who do not need instructor ratings. They can only teach for the airline they work for unless they have an instructor rating.