Becoming an Airline Pilot
You have just obtained your high school diploma or are undergoing a career change, and the job of an airline pilot appeals to you? Discover everything you need to know about this profession: working conditions, numerous benefits, earnings, and the training required to become an airline pilot.
What is an Airline Pilot?
The profession of airline pilot is a fascinating and prestigious profession, representing a significant responsibility for airlines. The airline pilot’s mission is to transport passengers and/or cargo from one airport to another aboard an aircraft. They are part of the technical flight crew and are responsible for:
- The technical preparation of the flight;
- Piloting the aircraft from engine start-up to arrival at the terminal;
- Ensuring the safety of passengers.
Thus, the airline pilot’s role is not limited to flying the aircraft itself. The crucial preparation phase involves checking various factors beforehand to ensure the smooth conduct of the flight:
- Route details;
- Weather conditions;
- Fuel management;
- Aircraft weight management;
- Etc.
Once on board, the airline pilot is responsible for configuring the aircraft and instruments according to the planned route. Throughout the flight, they maintain communication with air traffic control. The airline pilot is also the sole responsible person on board in relation to civil and administrative authorities.
Why become an Airline Pilot?
If the job of an airline pilot is so desirable, it’s because it comes with many advantages, including the opportunity to travel year-round.
Benefits of the Job
The airline pilot is a professional of the skies who flies over the planet and explores the world according to their missions. From one destination to another, they have the chance to discover numerous countries, cities, and cultures. Whether for a night, a day, or several days depending on their flight schedule, they have free time to explore and immerse themselves in the cities and countries they connect. If you love travel, becoming an airline pilot allows you to get paid for it.
If you dislike routine, the airline pilot job is ideal since it offers flexible work hours, far from traditional office hours. Career prospects and opportunities for advancement are also highly motivating.
Another significant advantage: airline pilots can benefit their loved ones with discounted flight tickets.
The required qualities?
Being an airline pilot requires specific qualities due to the significant responsibilities involved in the job.
Reactivity
Turbulence, difficult weather, fog, congested airspace… the airline pilot must be able to act quickly and accurately according to in-flight conditions and potential unforeseen events.
Physical Endurance
The pilot must be able to endure frequent travel, sleepless nights, climate changes, and regular time zone shifts.
Nervous Resilience
The airline pilot is always on the move and often away from home and family. They must also demonstrate composure to respond calmly to unexpected situations during flights.
How Does an Airline Pilot Work?
The airline pilot spends many hours in the cockpit at the controls of their aircraft, but their work also extends to the preparation phase of the flight. They must check everything before takeoff, enter the necessary information into their onboard computer, determine the amount of fuel needed, prepare the route, and ensure the safety conditions for passengers.
Starting as a co-pilot early in their career, they can later serve as captain. In this role, they work in collaboration with their co-pilot, providing instructions, and maintain constant communication with air traffic controllers.
The airline pilot regularly undergoes medical examinations and professional aptitude tests.
How to Become an Airline Pilot?
To become an airline pilot, it is necessary to be over 18 years old, to speak English fluently, and to have a good level of mathematics and physics. These prerequisites allow you to enroll in an accredited training center or an aviation school, such as Aéropyrénées, to follow a training program.
Aéropyrénées offers two training paths to become an airline pilot:
- Integrated ATPL Training
- Modular ATPL Training
Both of these programs lead to the acquisition of your ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License), which is essential for practicing the profession of airline pilot in Europe and abroad.
What is the salary of an airline pilot?
At the beginning of their career, an airline pilot’s average salary ranges between €2,000 and €4,500 per month. This salary may vary depending on flight hours and the airline company.
At the end of their career, a pilot can earn between €12,000 and €20,000 per month.