What do i have to do to become a pilot for an airline?

Question

hi thanks for looking, since i was a kid i used to be in love with aircrafts and allways wanted to fly one...im 17 and go to college in london,UK. i havfe another year to go in college so im studying my as/a levels but i actualy want to go on to being a pilot. does any one know what i ahve to do after i finish college? because i have no idea on what to do after lol and does anyone know a good pilot school or whatevfer i need to do around London area?

thanks!

Answer 1

I was in your position 35 years ago.  Basically, you have two good options.  You could join the military and (if you qualify) learn to fly at their expense.  The training is great, and you get lots of air time usually flying a variety of aircraft types.  After graduation and training is finished, you will have to honour a committment to stay with the military for a certain number of years to cover their investment in you.

The second way, and by far the most expensive, is to learn on your own at a flight school or flying club.  The training is geared toward your goals, and the the more you fly the faster you will be licenced.  You'll start with a Private Licence, then move up to Commercial, and finally what most airlines require the ATP (Airline Transport).  You will have to take additional courses in multi-engine and instrument flying and then build a lot of hours, normally by instructing or flying light aircraft for someone.

Depending on what kind of commercial flying you want to do, there may be other steps before you get what you want.  You also must pass and maintain a medical certificate showing you are physically capable of being a pilot.  It's no biggie really, just an enhanced physical like you'd get from your own doctor.  But if you fail along the line, your flying days might well be over.

Here's my suggestion, and you'll get lots more help than anything you can get here...take a trip to an airport in your area where flight training is offered, and have a good chat with some instructors and pilots.  Normally they are very friendly and approachable types and only too happy to help someone get started.  Or talk to your military if you'd like to take that route...they'll give you lots of information.

Answer 2

first search for any collleges for piloting and then search for pilot schools. one idea is to go to etihadairways.com but i dunno..

Answer 3

none should be hiring, at least the major ones. people that have been with american airlines for 20 yrs have been laid off