Can anybody give me information about how to get through the profession of a commercial pilot?

Question

if possible in detail

Answer 1

During eight years with the Royal Navy, Andy was selected for Sea Harrier training and saw service in the Falklands Campaign 1982.

After leaving the Navy, Andy studied for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) but decided that teaching 'was not for him' and changed to work in insurance. However, he found that this lacked excitement so he studied for the airline transport pilot's licence (ATPL) theory stage through distance learning modules over a period of several months while continuing working. Having passed this successfully, he funded his study for the Instrument Rating qualification at Bournemouth which took a further two or three weeks of full-time study.

Having gained these qualifications, Andy was able to send applications to a number of commercial airlines and accepted a post with Dan Air who offered him a position to train on the Boeing 727. Unusually, this training was offered without Andy having to pay a bond to the airline. The position involved flying out of Manchester but, for personal reasons, he decided to change airlines after only 16 months to fly with a much smaller airline based in the West country. Although he was offered less money and was flying with smaller aircraft, the job allowed him to return home in the evenings to be with his family. During his ten years flying with this airline, Andy was a captain and also took on responsibility for writing performance manuals on the aircraft he was flying and was promoted to fleet technical manager.

Several years later, Andy decided to move to British Airways where he lost seniority to become a first officer but was offered the opportunity to fly more technologically advanced planes on long-haul flights. He was also attracted by the larger salary, the pension and the career stability of working for such a large employer. After nine years, he is still with British Airways and is expecting to be promoted to captain shortly. He works four to five trips per month and spends 15 to 16 days at home per month. These 'rest days' may be at any time of the week but with increased seniority he is able to work trips that give him more time at home over the weekends.

Andy's advice to those considering a career as a commercial pilot would be to identify clearly what lifestyle you would want, e.g. with a large or small, charter or scheduled airline, because the impact on family life can be profound if you don't have enough regular time off during the week. In addition, changing airlines can result in loss of seniority so it is better to plan a long-term career with one employer. The job also involves working in successive small teams, and would not suit those who find it hard to relate well to others.

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» Daniel - First officer

I graduated with an MEng in Aeronautics from the University of Manchester in 2000 and have been working as an airline pilot for around a year. I completed my Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) Integrated ATPL (airline transport pilots licence) course in June 2003. I was lucky enough to obtain sponsorship (through a bursary) from the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators (GAPAN). Passing all the assessments in order to obtain the scholarship and then completing all the systematic stages of training to earn my licence was a hard process. I really enjoyed it, but it came as a shock when I realised that I would have to wait for several months for the airlines to start recruiting again, and then I would have to go through the long process of applying for jobs and attending assessment centres.

I had left flying school as a qualified low-houred pilot and found there was a lot of competition for few jobs from other similarly qualified pilots. I drew up an action plan for myself, which included trying to attend conferences and exhibitions, and networking with as many employers and industry professionals as possible. I recorded the whole process, keeping detailed records of every new contact and piece of information that I came across. Looking through the notes really helped focus my mind on my objectives and later really helped me get through the assessment process.

After eight months of hard work, including attending several assessment centres and a few rejections from employers, I finally secured a job with a large charter airline company. I found the process very demanding and at times demoralising, but it was definitely worth all the effort. Looking back, I think I managed to succeed because I worked hard, persevered, prepared well and remembered to be myself during interviews. There really is no point pretending to be someone else during the job hunting process - the assessors will spot it and more importantly you will not be able to keep up the pretence for long.

I have always wanted to be a pilot and really have a love of the job. I particularly like the fact that the role is mentally challenging and varied. Every day is different and I constantly work with different colleagues and meet new passengers. There is a lot of opportunity for professional development, particularly getting involved in special projects and building up more technical knowledge. For example, I have recently been working on a project concerning fuel efficiency. We are exploring ways in which we can safely use less fuel during our flights and so ultimately save the airline money.

Working as a pilot is exciting, but of course there are downsides to the job. It involves getting up early, working weekends and during holiday periods, and being 'on call' at certain times. It is important to realise that it is hard work and that you will be required to work when the airline needs you and not when you might prefer to work.

If you are thinking of going into this profession I would really recommend trying to talk to an airline pilot about their job, particularly on in informal basis and over an extended period, so you get a 'real' understanding of what the job is like, and what it is like to work for a particular company. It can be very difficult to obtain a job, so it is important to network and contact as many employers as you can. It will really help if you can get a personal introduction/recommendation to an employer from someone who already works at that company or who has previously worked with you within the aviation industry. Contact your careers service and talk to the alumni department at your university and ask if they can help in any way.

Above all else, you will need to be persistent and not got too despondent if a company rejects your application or if you fail to pass an assessment. It is definitely worth contacting the employer to ask if you can re-apply next year or if you can be assessed again at a later stage, and certainly for feedback on your performance. Also, do not worry if it appears that you are in a minority group compared to the piloting profession as a whole; the better sponsorship schemes and airlines will seek your personality and ability, not the colour of your skin or gender.

Answer 2

Ask the airline companies if they are open for training for commercial pilots because almost airlines have their own training center seldom only or lucky you are if you hear someone has told you for the opening. Airline companies, if it doesnt have cadets they just pirate hiring from the the airforce. Try your luck, apply for a cadet by writing them that you are interested in. Once you are in, you'll gonna have a riggid training like a soldier a strict descipline, you have to pass a tests, the company's training program, the FAA, until you pass it all then you will be qualified to operate huge aircrafts.

Answer 3

Can you clarify you qyestion please? If you interested in knowing what steps are involve to get Commecial Pilot License then I let you know more in detail. PLease feel free to join the conferance call I have to provide pople who want to know in detail about the CPL training.