Airline pilot

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

• 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

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• applying directly
• a trainee scheme
• specialist courses run by private training organisations

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.