Airline pilot

Also known as: Aircraft pilot, co-pilot, first officer, captain

Airline pilots fly passengers and cargo to destinations around the world.

• take turns to fly the plane or communicate with air traffic control
• work out the best route using weather reports and air traffic control data
• create a flight plan including details of fuel needed and the height you'll need to fly
• carry out pre-flight checks of instruments, engines, fuel and safety systems
• brief the cabin crew
• take instructions from air traffic control
• follow procedures during take off and landing to cut down noise pollution
• check data during the flight and adjust the route where necessary
• tell passengers and crew about journey progress
• write reports about in-flight issues

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.

39 to 41 hours per week

• 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 competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• specialist courses run by private training organisations

• You may be able to apply directly to the Civil Aviation Authority's MAS program to become a commercial pilot if you have flying experience in the armed forces.
• You can also train with a private flying school to get your Commercial Pilot's Licence. Courses can take at least 18 months of full-time study. Part-time or modular courses will take longer. The Civil Aviation Authority has details of flight training schools.

• You'll start by training as a co-pilot. When you’ve completed at least 1500 flying hours, you can apply for an 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.