Sign In Register
Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers > Airline Pilot
Transport | Travel and tourism
Airline pilots fly passengers and cargo to destinations around the world.
You could do a university degree in air transport or aviation, which includes commercial pilot training with an approved flight training organisation. To start a course, you'll need:
University courses lead to a 'frozen' Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). This allows you to apply to airlines to work as a co-pilot and build up the necessary flying hours to become an airline captain. As well as standard university fees, you will need to fund the flight training part of your course. Universities can advise you about this. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
The Honourable Company of Air Pilots has a test for people with little or no flying experience. Pilot training is expensive and this could help you decide whether you're suited to this career before you spend money on training. English is the international language of flying, so airlines will expect you to have a good GCSE pass, or equivalent, in the subject. Skills in another language can also give you an advantage, for example if you want to work for an overseas airline. It may also help you to stand out from other applicants, as competition for jobs is strong.
You'll need:
You will usually be one of two or more pilots who take turns fly or communicate with air traffic control and complete paperwork. On a typical day you will:
You'll start by training as a co-pilot. When you’ve completed at least 1500 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.
Bus and coach drivers transport passengers on local, national or overseas journeys.
Helicopter pilots fly single- and multi-engined helicopters for business, leisure or emergency services.
Fishing vessel skippers are in charge of the crew onboard sea-going fishing boats.
Taxi drivers pick up passengers and charge a fee to take them to their destination by the quickest route.
Air traffic controllers give information and advice to airline pilots to help them take off and land safely and on time.
Driving instructors teach people the skills and knowledge they need to drive safely and pass their driving test.
Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You
You can find the Privacy Policy here.
Please read it carefully and click the button below to confirm that you understand the changes.
GetMyFirstJob offers you a whole new way to find Apprenticeships, Degree Apprenticeships, Work Experience and Graduate opportunities to get ahead. It’s not just a search tool – we’ll connect you with the Best Employers, Colleges & Providers and Universities to get you on the right track faster.