From Novice to Professional Pilot in Less Than Two Years: A Personal Journey
In this narrative, I will share the remarkable trajectory of my swift transition from having no flight hours to becoming a fully qualified commercial pilot in just over 18 months. Moreover, I delve into the details of securing my initial airline job within a mere 5 minutes of receiving certification.
Aspiring to Be a Commercial Pilot from an Early Age
My desire to become an airline pilot has been a lifelong passion. From my earliest memories, I harbored a fascination with aviation, although my busy schedule with sports limited my involvement in activities like plane spotting or air cadet participation. Nevertheless, the allure of airports and aircraft persisted throughout my childhood and into adulthood. The prospect of a career that involved traveling and a lucrative pilot salary fueled my ambition.
Embarking on Pilot Training
Once I reached a point of serious consideration for my career path, I unequivocally decided that becoming a pilot was my sole interest. This determination influenced my choice of A-level exams, opting for physics, maths, IT, and biology. While physics and maths would undoubtedly assist in pilot training, my selection also reflected genuine interest in these subjects. I completed my A-levels in the summer of 2013 and commenced pilot training in January 2014 at the age of 18.
Choosing the Training Route and Location
I pursued my pilot training with CTC Aviation, now known as L3 Academy, opting for the Integrated pilot training route. This course aligned with my career goals, offering partnerships with multiple airlines, a history of successful pilot placements, and an extensive curriculum that met my research criteria for becoming an airline pilot. Despite the significant financial investment, the 18-month training program provided not only qualification but also the unique experience of living in New Zealand for nine months.
Navigating the Path to Becoming a Pilot
Extensive research, supported by a family keen on my success, paved the way for my decision to become a pilot. While there were no comprehensive guides at the time, open days at various pilot schools played a crucial role in gathering essential information. The awe-inspiring pilot placement success rate and strong partnerships with commercial airlines distinguished my chosen flight school.
Timeline of Becoming a Pilot
Commencing pilot training in January 2014, I secured an airline job and commenced flying with passengers by January 2016. In less than two years, I went from a novice to a fully qualified commercial pilot. The swift process involved completing my Type Rating, training, and successfully undertaking commercial flights. The efficiency of my employment process was evident as I spent only three minutes in the flight school’s ‘holding pool’ before being recruited by airlines.
Financial Investment in Pilot Training
Becoming a pilot came with a substantial financial commitment, totaling around £130,000, covering the integrated package, living expenses, Type Rating, and associated costs. Acknowledging the financial burden, many pilots, myself included, spend their initial decade in the profession repaying this significant investment.
Navigating the Class 1 Medical Certification
Contrary to initial concerns, the Class 1 Medical Certification, a requirement for pilots, proved to be a straightforward process. While my worries about potential health issues were alleviated, the medical examination primarily served as a formality to ensure my fitness for safely working as a pilot.
In essence, my journey from a novice to a professional pilot was marked by passion, strategic choices, and a well-planned trajectory that led to a swift and successful entry into the aviation industry.
