The profession of airline pilot
From dream to reality
The profession of Airline Pilot remains one of the most desirable careers. It represents a major asset for airlines.
How to become a Professional Pilot? What are the prerequisites and requirements for the profession
Introduction
The Airline Pilot is part of the technical flight crew within an airline.
They are responsible for the flight and the aircraft they operate, from flight preparation to passenger safety.
During flight preparation, the pilot must ensure compliance with all factors related to the flight, such as the planned route, weather conditions, weight management of the aircraft, and fuel requirements based on the distance to be covered.
Once in the cockpit, they prepare the flight and configure the instruments accordingly.
During the flight, the pilot remains solely responsible onboard in relation to administrative and civil authorities.
They are also in charge of all communication with control towers, from starting the engines to reaching the terminal upon arrival.
Prerequisites
Numerically
The carrier plan
Once the Professional Pilot License (CPL) is obtained, the career of the airline pilot begins.
Upon graduating from school, the pilot will have completed over 200 flight hours during their training.
Globally, airlines have different prerequisites specific to each one. For instance, low-cost carriers may offer a position right after graduation, while others may require up to 500 or even 750 flight hours to consider candidates for selection.
Initialy you can choose from various opportunities available after training :
- Being a co-pilot in certain airlines (such as: Ryanair, Wow Air, HOP, easyJet …)
- Arial work : parachute droping, arial photography, medical transport, cargo transport…
- Business aviation
- Flight instructor within a flight club or ATO ( professional training center)
Later, based on the accumulation of your flight hours and qualifications, you can expand your search to all airlines and prepare for your selections.
From Copilot to Captain
From the right seat to the left seat.
Your career will begin as a First Officer (Co-pilot), referred to as the “right seat,” on short/medium-haul aircraft.
For example, you might start on aircraft such as the ATR 42, A320, or B737.
Throughout your career, you will progress to a Captain position on the aircraft.
Later on, depending on your experience, you may advance to larger aircraft (up to the A380, who knows…).
For each aircraft, a type rating (training specific to that aircraft) will need to be completed.