Here we give you an airline pilot in a nutshell, from a pilots duties to salary and typical entry requirements.

The overall responsibility of an airline pilot is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of an aircraft from A to B. This will include:

• Route Planning, alternate airports, air traffic restrictions
• Analysing weather conditions
• Calculating takeoff weights, takeoff speeds, fuel requirements
• Pre flight checks of the aircraft exterior and internal instruments
• Programming the flight route/information into the aircraft computer
• Liasing with Air Traffic Control
• Monitoring aircraft systems in flight
• Monitoring weather conditions in flight and reacting accordingly
• Liasing with passengers and cabin crew
• Dealing with emergencies

The basic qualification required to be recruited as a first officer for an airline is to hol an Airline Transport Pilots Licence (Frozen) also abbreviated to ATPL.

Educational qualifications will be vary between airlines, typically you are expected to have at least 5 GCSEs (A-C grade) and two A-levels. A degree may be preferred by some airlines. Maths, Physics and engineerig subjects are preferable.

Salaries will depend on seniority as well as the type of aircraft beinf flown. They will vary between airlines current expectations are:

• Entry Salaries for a first officer are typically in the region of £25,000 - £30,000.
• Senior captains can earn up to and in excess of £100, 000.

As a airline pilot you should be able to enjoy the following benefits with most airlines:

• Discounted Airline tickets.
• Pension Scheme.
• Uniform Allowances.
• Free Airport Parking.
• Salary increases with Seniority.
• Career progression options to captain and training captain.
• Other allowances depending on the airline.

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