Becoming a pilot in the United Kingdom is a difficult process that needs dedication, hard work, and a significant financial investment.
However, for those with a passion for flying and the drive to succeed, it can be a very rewarding career.
In this post, you will learn how to become a Pilot in the UK. To become a Pilot in the UK, you must complete the following 6 steps:
How to become a Pilot in the UK
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Age: You must be at least 17 years old to start flight training. Some airlines have strict age requirements for new hires, with the average age being around 21 years.
Medical Fitness: You must hold a valid Civil Aviation Authority Class 1 or Class 2 Medical Certificate (CAA). This certificate confirms that you meet the medical requirements for flying.
Education: You must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or higher, including Maths and English. Some airlines may also require advanced education, such as A-levels or a bachelor’s degree.
Step 2: Complete Flight Training
Choose a flight training organization: You can enrol in a CAA-approved flying school or college. Review the various options to find the one that best meets your needs and budget.
Complete flight training: The length of flight training varies, but it usually takes 9-12 months to complete the required number of flight hours and training. You will learn about air regulation, navigation and meteorology as well as flying skills.
Understand key concepts: It is important to have a clear understanding of key concepts and skills required for flying such as aviation laws, navigation and operational procedures.
Step 3: Get a PPL (Private Pilot License)
Written Test: Written test on Aviation Law, Navigation and Operational Procedures is required. The tests assess your understanding of the key concepts and skills required to fly.
Practical flying test: A practical flying test with a qualified examiner is also required. This test assesses your ability to fly as well as your ability to deal with emergency situations.
Step 4: Improve your Flight Time and Experience
Gain flying experience: Once you have your PPL, you can gain flying experience by chartering an aircraft or joining a flying club. You should also consider getting additional ratings, such as a night rating or an instrument rating, to help improve your skills.
Earn Flight Hours: Earning flight hours is an essential part of becoming a pilot. The more flight hours you have, the more experience and knowledge you will gain, which can help you get hired as a commercial pilot.
Step 5: Get your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Written Test: Written tests are required in aerodynamics, aircraft performance, flight planning and navigation. These tests assess your understanding of the technical aspects of flying.
Multi-engine and instrument flight test: A multi-engine and instrument flight test is also required. This test assesses your ability to fly multi-engine aircraft as well as your instrument flying skills.
Step 6: Meet the Requirements of the Airline
Build flight hours and experience: In order to be hired as a commercial pilot, you must first build flight hours and experience. The more flight hours you have, the more likely you are to be hired.
Meet the minimum hour requirement of the airline: Each airline has a different minimum flight hour requirement, which can range from 500 to 1500 hours.
Pass the airline’s selection process: You must pass the airline’s selection process to get hired as a commercial pilot. This may include a technical assessment, an aptitude test and an interview. The selection process is intended to assess your suitability and potential as a commercial pilot.