So you want to become an airline pilot!

There are many other options and your flying career is not necessarily limited to flying for a commercial airline, every commercial pilot has other options where they can spread their wings so to speak. There are some specific paths and steps needed in order to become a commercial pilot first whether it’s with a large carrier or as a flying instructor.

Requirements

You will need to attend an accredited flight training organisation, fly the required flying hours and pass some commercial flying examinations.  Some airlines favour applicants with a university degree depending however this is not a absolute requirement.  If you wish to fly internationally, you will need to be competent in spoken aviation English, you will need to be trained and assessed before you will be allowed to take to the skies.

Flight Schools

It is important to stay in touch with the flight school where you learnt to fly.  This school  will be able to provide you with a reference if you get called for an interview and they may be able to offer employment advice.  Some smaller airlines contact the larger flight schools and ask for suitable candidates for interview when they are hiring.  You may wish to consider gaining experience by becoming an instructor and your flight school may be able to offer advice or even a job.

Commercial Carriers

You can apply with larger, commercial carriers via their websites, as well as contacting them directly through their human resources department.  If you know someone who works for the airline asking for their advice will be a very sensible thing to do.  Develop your contact and hopefully they will be able to recommend you to the airline.  A good contact can't get you a job but, they may well be able to get you an interview.

Find a Recruiter

Conventional job recruiters seldom involve themselves with aircrew recruitment.  There are specialist recruiters who may be able to place experienced pilots with airlines on temporary and permanent contracts.  There are websites like Flight Crew Finder that will be able to assist you with your networking efforts.

Job Fairs

Attend job fairs that are listed or advertised in the aviation press.  These events are a place where you maybe able to speak informally to the recruiters and raise your profile.  Some airlines attend these events to attract the very best candidates to their company as they compete for the best crew members.  Take your CV to these events and make a note of every person you speak to.  It is worth getting as many contact details as possible and make follow up calls and write to your contacts. 

Web Search

Another place to look specifically for aviation jobs is via the Internet where you might find all kinds of information from schools to classified ad listings geared toward those interested in aviation. Join online forums and start to make an online name for yourself.  Ask questions and try to build up an online following, use Facebook and Twitter.  You have to use every method you can to get on in this industry, be a little lucky and exploit your every contact.