Becoming A Pilot
The average member of the public has an inaccurate perception of what it is to be a commercial pilot. Many folks believe pilots enjoy professional respect and a well-rewarded jet-set lifestyle.
Although ally professional pilots are still relatively well compensated, within their company they are often less respected than they are on the outside. Airline accountants often view pilots as too well compensated prima donnas, and often attack our lifestyles, the time on duty limitations that are in place to prevent accidents due to fatigue and our pay and benefits.
Every flight training organization has its glossy brochure which perpetuates the public perception and makes enticing promises. However, these promises are not always delivered in a way that may live up to the would-be pilots’ expectations. Read the brochures carefully. Network, speak to as many people as you can and take time to make the right decision for you personally. Failure to do this could be costly in terms of finances and your time. Your initial training path will take one to two approximately two years. Aviation is an extremely volatile the job market can that change drastically between the commencing and completing your training and the time you are offered your first job. It is vital to research what flying opportunities there are likely to be when you graduate, and whether you are prepared to go anywhere in the world to secure employment. Talk to one of our pilots or a pilot you know.
What qualifications and skills do you need to become a pilot? If you dream of becoming a professional pilot, spend some time reflecting on what it takes, academically and personally, to achieve your goal before committing significant amounts of time and money. A surprisingly broad range of skills are needed, and it’s vitally important not to concentrate solely on the academic and technical side. Equally important are the personal attributes that are required to be successful in the flight deck environment. Many people have failed to achieve their dreams because they have overlooked this. Likely, the hardest part of the process will not be attaining your Commercial License; it will be securing your first commercial pilot position.
Many believe that getting a commercial license earns them the right to permanent employment, but this is far from the truth. Pilots can take several years to land their first position, while some never reach the flight deck at all, even after spending significant sums of money and devoting years of their life to training. Only the most determined and committed will succeed.
From initial flight training to retirement, a flying career will be punctuated by significant highs and lows. These include being the stress of initial and ongoing flight checks, securing your first job and promotion, potential redundancies, low earnings during the initial years, employer bankruptcies, fleet changes, and relocation. Most pilots will experience many of these during their careers. An individual must be prepared and able to deal with such challenges and be willing to change. Securing your first professional position will probably be the most challenging part of your career and will require considerable tenacity and determination. Your license is not a guarantee of a job – far from it. You will have to impress a significant cadre of people, including experienced airline pilots who will have seen many like you, before you land your first airline job. Rejection is all too common in this very competitive environment, so be prepared.