ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 3.4 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/airline-pilot |
| Last Crawled | 2026-01-01 04:19:03 (3 months ago) |
| First Indexed | 2019-01-11 01:07:59 (7 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Airline pilot | Explore Careers | National Careers Service |
| Meta Description | null |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | My name is Marjolein van Deth and I am a Captain on the A320 for British Airways, based at Heathrow.
When we first start flying, the skills that we need the most are probably quite basic skills, like learning how to fly the aircraft, learning all the technical aspects of the aircraft. And then when we progress throughout our career, especially when you become a Captain, it becomes a lot more about managing things.
So as a Captain, we learn how to manage a flight, how to manage the cabin crew, how to manage the passengers, and also emergency situations. So we practice that in the simulator every six months.
Norbi: My name is Norbi and I'm a First Officer here at British Airways operating on the Airbus A320 family aircraft.
So my day would start approximately an hour before the flight where I’ll meet the captain, the crew. And here we’ll discuss the flight's itinerary. So we'll discuss flight times, fuel, weights and any weather on routes. We'll go over and meet the cabin crew, discuss passenger clientele, flight times, duration of the flights. Then on, we'll make our way to the aircraft as a team, and we'll conduct flight preparations. For me, this will involve setting up the aircraft, setting up the flight computer.
Marjolein: People always ask us how much flying we actually do. So airplanes can't take off automatically yet. So that's all done by us. And then at some point after departure, we can manually fly it for as long as we want, but quite often we put the autopilot in which is over there, and then that will do quite a lot of the work for us, which is nice, but we still have to be there obviously telling the autopilot exactly what to do.
We talk to air traffic control, we look at the route, we look at weather, we look at terrain. We’re always thinking about plan B, so what are we going to do if this happens or that happens?
Norbi: The job is very dynamic, so it can change very suddenly. So we have to be ahead game and be prepared for anything.
Morjolein: Being calm, being able to think methodically.
Norbi: It's how we interact with people, is very much a people jobs. And I think many people don't often realise that. It’s how we interact with our colleagues, our ground staff, our passengers.
Marjolein: The views are incredible. As soon as we take off, it's a grey, rainy morning at Heathrow and we take off and we climb through the cloud and we're up in the sunshine at 35,000 feet, enjoying the views. It's, it's really, really amazing.
Norbi: Just the idea that I, every input that I make impacts the aircraft trajectory. And once it lands on the ground, it gives me goosebumps every time. It gives me goosebumps talking about it now. It's the most remarkable feeling every day and it just never gets boring. |
| Markdown | [Skip to main content](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/airline-pilot#main-content)
**Tell us whether you accept cookies**
We use [cookies to collect information](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/help/cookie-settings/) about how you use the National Careers Service. This information is used to make the website work as well as possible and improve our services.
Accept all cookies
[Set cookie preferences](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/help/cookie-settings/)
You’ve accepted all cookies. You can [change your cookie settings](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/help/cookie-settings/) at any time.
Hide
[National Careers Service](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/)
Menu
- [Explore careers](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers)
- [Skills assessment](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/discover-your-skills-and-careers)
- [Find a course](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course)
- [Careers advice](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice)
- [Contact us](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/contact-us)
**beta** How could we improve this service? Your [feedback](https://dferesearch.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4TMvchACdXh77Ya) will help.
## There is a problem
1. [Home](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/)
2. [Explore careers](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers)
3. Airline pilot
# Airline pilot
## Alternative titles for this job include Aircraft pilot, co-pilot, first officer, captain
Airline pilots fly passengers and cargo to destinations around the world.
## Average salary (a year)
ÂŁ47,000 Starter
*to*
ÂŁ150,000 Experienced
## Typical hours (a week)
Variable a week
## You could work
evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts
## Meet Marjolein and Norbi
Find out what Marjolein and Norbi do as Captain and First Officer for British Airways.
2 minute 20 second watch
View transcript
My name is Marjolein van Deth and I am a Captain on the A320 for British Airways, based at Heathrow.
When we first start flying, the skills that we need the most are probably quite basic skills, like learning how to fly the aircraft, learning all the technical aspects of the aircraft. And then when we progress throughout our career, especially when you become a Captain, it becomes a lot more about managing things.
So as a Captain, we learn how to manage a flight, how to manage the cabin crew, how to manage the passengers, and also emergency situations. So we practice that in the simulator every six months.
Norbi: My name is Norbi and I'm a First Officer here at British Airways operating on the Airbus A320 family aircraft.
So my day would start approximately an hour before the flight where I’ll meet the captain, the crew. And here we’ll discuss the flight's itinerary. So we'll discuss flight times, fuel, weights and any weather on routes. We'll go over and meet the cabin crew, discuss passenger clientele, flight times, duration of the flights. Then on, we'll make our way to the aircraft as a team, and we'll conduct flight preparations. For me, this will involve setting up the aircraft, setting up the flight computer.
Marjolein: People always ask us how much flying we actually do. So airplanes can't take off automatically yet. So that's all done by us. And then at some point after departure, we can manually fly it for as long as we want, but quite often we put the autopilot in which is over there, and then that will do quite a lot of the work for us, which is nice, but we still have to be there obviously telling the autopilot exactly what to do.
We talk to air traffic control, we look at the route, we look at weather, we look at terrain. We’re always thinking about plan B, so what are we going to do if this happens or that happens?
Norbi: The job is very dynamic, so it can change very suddenly. So we have to be ahead game and be prepared for anything.
Morjolein: Being calm, being able to think methodically.
Norbi: It's how we interact with people, is very much a people jobs. And I think many people don't often realise that. It’s how we interact with our colleagues, our ground staff, our passengers.
Marjolein: The views are incredible. As soon as we take off, it's a grey, rainy morning at Heathrow and we take off and we climb through the cloud and we're up in the sunshine at 35,000 feet, enjoying the views. It's, it's really, really amazing.
Norbi: Just the idea that I, every input that I make impacts the aircraft trajectory. And once it lands on the ground, it gives me goosebumps every time. It gives me goosebumps talking about it now. It's the most remarkable feeling every day and it just never gets boring.
Show all sections
## How to become , Explore the different ways to get into this role. , Show
## How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- applying directly
- a trainee scheme
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
### University
You could do a university degree which includes pilot studies.
Your university degree will:
- include commercial pilot training with an approved flight training organisation
- lead to a 'frozen' Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) which allows you to work as a co-pilot and build up the necessary flying hours to become a captain
#### Medical certificates
You'll need to have a minimum of a [Class 2 medical certificate](https://www.caa.co.uk/General-aviation/Pilot-licences/Applications/Medical/Apply-for-a-Class-2-medical-certificate/) before you start a course.
You'll then need to apply for the higher level [Class 1 medical certificate](https://www.caa.co.uk/commercial-industry/pilot-licences/medical/apply-for-a-class-1-medical-certificate/) during your course to get your Commercial Pilot Licence. You could choose to apply for the Class 1 medical certificate before you start your course.
#### Fees and funding
As well as standard university fees, you'll need to fund the flight training part of your course. Your university can advise you about this.
#### Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A\* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
#### More Information
- [equivalent entry requirements](https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels)
- [student finance for fees and living costs](https://www.gov.uk/student-finance)
- [university courses and entry requirements](https://www.ucas.com/)
### Direct Application
If you have flying experience in the armed forces, you could apply directly to the Civil Aviation Authority's [Military Accreditation Scheme](https://www.caa.co.uk/general-aviation/pilot-training-organisations/uk-military-aircrew-accreditation-scheme/) to become a commercial pilot.
### Other Routes
You could apply to join a pilot training programme with a [passenger airline](https://www.iata.org/about/members/Pages/airline-list.aspx?All=true).
#### Private flying school
You could also train with a private flying school to get your Commercial Pilot Licence. Courses can take at least a year and 6 months of full time study.
You can [find details about flight training schools](https://www.caa.co.uk/general-aviation/learning-to-fly/finding-a-flight-school-or-examiner/) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
### More Information
#### Career tips
Pilot training is expensive so research which route is best for you and your circumstances.
You can also [research scholarships](https://www.flying-start.org/scholarships/) to see if you can get any financial support with your training.
Pilot salaries can vary widely, depending on the size of the airline, your rank, how long you've flown for, and company bonus schemes and allowances.
#### Further information
You can find out more about training to become a pilot through [Flying Start](http://www.flying-start.org/) and the [British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA)](https://www.balpa.org/becoming-a-pilot).
## What it takes , Find out what skills you’ll use in this role. , Show
## What it takes
### Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- leadership skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of maths
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- observation and recording skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
### Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- hold a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by the [Civil Aviation Authority](https://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-Industry/Professional-pilot-licences/) (CAA)
- pass the [Civil Aviation Authority medical](https://www.caa.co.uk/general-aviation/pilot-licences/applications/medical/) before you can take a course - the medical includes tests on your fitness, hearing and vision
- be 18 to get a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and 21 to get an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)
- pass [enhanced background checks](https://www.gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role)
## What you’ll do , Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role. , Show
## What you'll do
### Day-to-day tasks
As an airline pilot, you'll work with a co-pilot to:
- fly the plane and communicate with air traffic control
- work out the best route using weather reports and air traffic control data
- create a flight plan and carry out pre-flight checks
- communicate with cabin crew and passengers
- follow procedures during take-off and landing to reduce noise pollution
- write reports, check data during the flight and adjust the route if necessary
### Working environment
You could work on an aircraft.
Your working environment may be cramped, physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.
You may need to wear a uniform.
## Career path and progression , Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities. , Show
## Career path and progression
You'll start by training as a co-pilot. When you’ve completed at least 1,500 flying hours, you can apply for an 'unfrozen' or full Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and qualify as an airline captain. This will usually take 3 to 5 years after you get your full ATPL.
With experience, you could become a flight training instructor or an operations manager.
## Current opportunities , Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you. , Show
## Current opportunities
### Apprenticeships In England
We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an airline pilot right now.
The [Find an apprenticeship service](https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship) can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.
### Courses In England
Are you interested in becoming an airline pilot?
Search for [training courses near you](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course/search).
### Jobs In the United Kingdom
The [Find a job service](https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/) can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.
### Not what you're looking for?
### Related careers
- [Helicopter pilot](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/helicopter-pilot)
- [Air traffic controller](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/air-traffic-controller)
- [RAF officer](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/raf-officer)
- [Cabin crew](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/cabin-crew)
- [Air accident investigator](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/air-accident-investigator)
## Skills assessment
[Take an assessment](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/discover-your-skills-and-careers) to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.
## Speak to an adviser
You can call [0800 100 900](tel:0800100900) or [use webchat](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/webchat/chat) to speak to an adviser.
We're open:
- **8am to 8pm** Monday to Friday
- **10am to 5pm** Saturdays and [bank holidays](https://www.gov.uk/bank-holidays)
On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, we're open 10am to 5pm.
We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Is this page useful?
[Yes](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/airline-pilot#job-profile-feedback-answered) [No](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/airline-pilot#job-profile-feedback-answered)
Thank you for your feedback.
Thank you for your feedback. [Click here](https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ExploreCareersJobProfileFeedback/?url=https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/airline-pilot) if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.
## Website information
- [About us](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/about-us)
- [Help](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/help)
- [Privacy and cookies](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/help/cookies)
- [Accessibility statement](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/help/accessibility)
- [Terms and conditions](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/help/terms-and-conditions)
- [Information sources](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/help/information-sources)
## Other UK career services
- [Scotland](https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/)
- [Wales](https://careerswales.gov.wales/)
- [Northern Ireland](https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/careers)
***
All content is available under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/), except where otherwise stated
[© Crown copyright](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/re-using-public-sector-information/uk-government-licensing-framework/crown-copyright/) |
| Readable Markdown | null |
| Shard | 11 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 18118460754776235211 |
| Unparsed URL | uk,gov,service!nationalcareers,/job-profiles/airline-pilot s443 |