This is the fourth in our series of 30 career paths that can lead to a professionally recognised qualification without always requiring a university degree.

No specific educational qualifications are needed for an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL), although candidates must hold a medical certificate confirming that they are physically fit, with normal colour vision and good hearing and eyesight. Glasses may be allowed, and some airlines specify minimum height requirements.

As an airline pilot, you would fly aircraft on scheduled and chartered flights, transporting passengers and cargo. You would normally be one of two pilots on the flight deck, starting as first officer or co-pilot and working up to promotion as captain or commander. You would be in overall charge as captain, responsible for the safety of the aircraft and everyone on board.

You would need to complete a lengthy and expensive training programme in order to obtain your ATPL. Traditionally, this was sponsored by the airlines, leading to employment after graduation from a Flight Training School. However, there is currently little airline sponsorship available and most pilots are self-sponsored.  Given that pilot training is very expensive, you should research all the options available and seek impartial advice.

There are two routes to achieving an ATPL: an ‘integrated’ course lasting about 18 months, where the training is condensed into a very intensive programme, or a ‘modular’ course, where you can complete the various phases of training in more manageable chunks.
A possible alternative training route is to qualify as a pilot in the armed forces and take a conversion course at the end of your military career.

In practice, most flying schools look for a minimum of five GCSE/S Grade passes at A-C/1-3, including English, maths and a science. Airlines offering sponsorship , now extremely rare, usually ask for more than this and would normally expect two A level/Advanced Higher, three Higher or equivalent qualifications, preferably including maths and physics.

Tell me more!
Further information is available from the websites at:
British Air Line Pilots Association
Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators