A career in aviation can be a smart choice for anybody with enthusiasm for adventure and travel on a private jet charter. It can be hard deciding on a career, especially when you are fresh out of sixth form or college, but there are plenty of great resources available for you today. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about a career in aviation, as well as whether you will need to sign up for an aviation course in the UK.
There are various fantastic aviation centred careers you can choose from, but the most popular option for many is to become a commercial pilot for one of the big airlines. This choice involves flying passengers and cargo on short and long-haul flights. Pilots need to have a good level of fitness, be able to handle stress and have excellent problem-solving skills.
If you’re not interested in becoming a pilot, there are plenty of other options within the aviation industry. You could become a flight attendant or cabin crew member, work as an air traffic controller, or develop your career in engineering. No matter what path you choose, an aviation career is sure to be exciting and rewarding.
Air cadets is a great way to start your career in aviation
If you’re not sure whether an aviation career is for you, there are plenty of ways to get involved and find out. Air cadets are a great way to start your career in aviation. This organisation offers young people aged 12-18 the opportunity to train as pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers.
There are also excellent opportunities available for attendees to travel the world and meet like-minded people. Becoming a cadet would be a great opportunity for you to get a taste of what an aviation career might look like in the future whilst also getting the chance to get some time in the cockpit with a trained pilot.
Your early studies could be vital
To become a commercial airline pilot, you need to have a good level of education. The best subjects to study at college or sixth-form are maths, physics, and chemistry. These subjects will give you the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career in aviation.
You can spend this time working alongside your studies to save up and put some money aside for private lessons as they can be quite expensive and will be worth doing in the long term. It would be wise to get an idea of what you want to do in the future in your head as this will allow you to begin planning – it’s never too early to get yourself organised.
Private lessons
If you want to become a commercial airline pilot, you need to complete a training course at a flight school. The most common route is to complete an integrated course, which lasts for around 18 months. Upon completing the course, you will be awarded a private pilot’s licence, allowing you to fly aircraft for recreational purposes.
To qualify for a commercial pilot’s licence, you will need to complete around 200 hours of flying time. Once you have met all the requirements, you will be able to take the final exams and earn your licence. This is a challenging process, but with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals.
The cost of training to become a commercial airline pilot can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to finance your studies. You could take out a loan, get a scholarship, or find a job to help pay for your tuition. It’s essential to start planning for your future as early as possible so that you can afford the best training available.
Further education is usually a requirement
If you’re not interested in becoming a pilot, there are plenty of other options within the aviation industry. You could become a flight attendant or cabin crew member, work as an air traffic controller, or develop your career in engineering. No matter what path you choose, an aviation career is sure to be exciting and rewarding.
If you want to pursue a career in aviation but don’t want to become a pilot, you can attend university and study for a degree in this field. Many universities offer courses in aviation studies, so it’s important to do your research and find the right one for you.
Studying for a degree will give you the knowledge and skills you need to work in this industry. You will also have the opportunity to network with other professionals and meet people who can help you progress your career.
The UK has some of the best aviation colleges and universities in the world, so there’s no need to worry about not having enough options available to you. With the right planning and preparation, you can achieve your dream career in aviation.
The financial side of a career in aviation
The salary you can earn in an aviation career will vary depending on the role you choose. However, most jobs in this industry offer a good salary and benefits package. Pilots are usually well compensated for their skills and hard work and can expect to earn a six-figure salary once they have gained some experience in the field.
Flight attendants and cabin crew members also earn a good wage, with many earning upwards of £20,000 per year. Air traffic controllers can expect to make around £40,000 annually, while engineers typically earn between £30,000 and £35,000. These are starting salaries too, meaning your earnings could increase a lot the longer you work there.
No matter what role you choose within the aviation industry, you can be sure to receive a competitive salary and an amazing benefits package.