Aircraft pilots and flight engineers

Average National Salaries (2020)

What does this career do?

Aircraft flight deck officers check, regulate, adjust and test engines and other equipment prior to take-off, navigate and pilot aircraft and give flying lessons.

Typical tasks

• studies flight plan, discusses it with flight deck crew and makes any necessary adjustments
• directs or undertakes routine checks on engines, instruments, control panels, cargo distribution and fuel supplies
• directs or undertakes the operation of controls to fly aeroplanes and helicopters, complying with air traffic control and aircraft operating procedures
• monitors fuel consumption, air pressure, engine performance and other indicators during flight and advises pilot of any factors that affect the navigation or performance of the aircraft
• maintains radio contact and discusses weather conditions with air traffic controllers
• performs specified tests to determine aircraft’s stability, response to controls and overall performance
• accompanies pupil on training flights and demonstrates flying techniques.

Current entry requirements

Entrants with GCSEs/S grades and A levels/H grades, an Advanced GNVQ/GSVQ Level III or a BTEC/ SQA award can apply for an airline sponsorship. Private residential training is available to candidates with GCSEs/S grades or appropriate BTEC/SQA or GNVQ/GSVQ awards or to holders of Private Pilots Licences who have 700 hours flying experience. Normal colour vision is required and candidates undergo a medical examination. Training lasts up to 15 months and consists of courses of study and flying instruction. Airlines may have additional age and height requirements.

Percentage in work

• Employed

• Unemployed

Due to insufficient sample sizes, some data was excised.

Predicted employment status in 2022

• Full-time

• Part-time

• Self Employed

Predicted employment levels in the East Midlands

Career related courses available at West Notts

• Preparation for Uniform Protective Services (Intermediate) - Level 2
• Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services (Advanced) - Level 3

About the statistics

Data is powered by LMI for All and is sourced from labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Institute for Employment Research, the Department for Works and Pensions, and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.