HOW TO BECOME A PILOT
Everything you need to know
Although the European Standard does not dictate any specific need for admission, each ATO (Approved Training Organisation) can establish a desirable minimum that guarantees the optimal use of the training and maximises the chances of success in your studies.
While you should know that, at the time you get your pilot’s license, you must to:
- Be at least 18 years old. You can begin your training before having them; the requirement is only at the time of examination.
- Accredit an Advanced or C2 level of English, according to the University of Cambridge. You can study and test your language skills while you complete your training as a pilot.
- Hold a valid Class 1 medical certificate.
Types of aircraft pilot licenses
During the course, you will study such interesting competitions that as Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science. You can also train in areas such as Meteorology, Navigation or Radionavigation; and you will learn all about Motors, Flight Planning or Aircraft Structure.
Of all this, and much more, you can inform yourself reading our post about Airline Pilot Programme ATPL course and our post about how to pass the ATPL exams.
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Modular or Integrated Training Programme?
The flying hour requirements to become a commercial pilot fluctuate depending on different factors, as any other work access requirements. Among the most prominent is the current pilot market which varies depending on social-economic factors, the country of origin of the airline, internal policies of each company, etc.
We must also bear in mind the rank in which the vacancy is to be filled, and that the minimum number of flying hours required are not the same for inexperienced Copilots, experienced Copilots and Captains.
To follow, we’ve provided a guide so you can get a good idea of the amount of flying hours needed to work for an airline depending on the position you wish to apply for.
Required flying hours to work as a Copilot or First Officer
Once you’ve obtained the licence and ‘unfreeze’ ATPL, you can apply for a copilot position with an airline. The requirements are the following:
For inexperienced Copilots
To apply for a position of inexperienced Copilot you will need not only your license and valid medical certificate, but also possess a great personal and professional background. Your academic information, progression as a pilot, and acquired aptitudes during your career to date will be taken into account.
Additionally, in order to ensure you have the knowledge of the type of aircraft you will fly, one of the most common requests of an airline are the APS MCC course (Airline Pilot Standard Multi Crew Cooperation) and JOC course (Jet Orientation Course).
The flying hours for an inexperienced Copilot are not so important as the airline will provide training which will cover the minimum amount of hours needed for the position.
For experienced Copilots (First Officers)
If you already have a considerable amount of experience copiloting a multi-crew aircraft the requirements are different.
The necessary amount of flying hours are around 1200 to 1500 in the aircraft type. As mentioned above, this number will vary depending on the market, country, or the company.
They will also ask for a Type Rating for the corresponding aircraft, the medical certificate in force, curriculum vitae and various other documents relating to your professional trajectory.
However, we are talking about the number of flight hours required to work as a copilot if you take up the post externally. If you are promoted, the number may be reduced.
Let’s be clear. Being a commercial aviation pilot supposes a great financial commitment, besides that it requires a total responsibility and dedication since it is a very competitive and demanding sector.
Depending on the training route you decide to follow, the amount could be increased. The ratings could increase this amount depending you decide to obtain a posteriori.
The most important thing is that you value very well what each flight school offers you; don’t let yourself be carried away by the prices. Find out carefully what is included in them: flight hours, teaching hours, ratings, fleet, teaching materials, simulators, and so on.
However, you should appreciate that we are talking about one of the professions with the highest social recognition, the most exceptional economic projection and one of the best prospects in the short and medium term.
In One Air Aviation, we offer you prices that are adjusted to the quality of training you will receive, always with the most advanced technology, the newest aircraft and teaching techniques still at the forefront of the sector.
Do you dream of becoming a pilot?
Do you know the salary of a commercial pilot?
It is not easy to calculate precisely how much a pilot earns, as the factors that influence the total amount are numerous. The salary that an airline pilot earns will be conditioned by variables such as:
- The pilot’s experience, rank and flying hours.
- The length of time the pilot has been with the company.
- The type of airline you work for and its salary policy.
- The type of aircraft. The larger the plane, the higher the compensation.
- The route to be covered. On long haul flights, the salary is higher than on short flights.
Why to obtain your CPL (A) License in One Air Aviation?
Surely you already know what you have to study to be a pilot and you have said, I want to be an airline pilot!
Well, in addition to the positive aspects that are implicit in the pilot career such as a high salary, social recognition, the opportunity to know the world or interaction with people of all cultures; if you do it with us, we can give you additional values such as:
- You will fly on the biggest Diamond & Cirrus aircraft fleet in Spain
- Two different bases: Málaga International Airport and Vélez-Málaga private airport
- SIMLAB by OneAir: The largest simulator centre in a European ATO with 20 devices.
- You will enjoy the best weather conditions to fly
- Bilingual training
- Customised financing
- High-quality standards
- Own program for hiring pilots
- A course of access to airline companies
