Careers In Aviation – Are You Up for It?

An aircraft pilot is someone who controls the flight of an aeroplane by operating its flight controls. Pilots are broadly classified into airline pilots and commercial pilots. Airline pilots work for airline companies transporting passengers and cargo according to a fixed schedule. The pilot in command oversees the rest of the crew members and is in charge of the entire flight. The co-pilot shares responsibility for the flight with the chief pilot. Commercial pilots engage in unscheduled flights such as charter flights and aerial tours. Commercial pilots may also have other non-flight duties. Some pilots also take up the job of an instructor and teach students to fly.

A pilot is responsible for safe take-off, journey and landing of the flight. The lives of everyone on the flight depend on him. He exercises various duties and some of them are:

• They check the complete condition of the plane before and after each flight.

• They make sure that the aircraft is below its weight limit and balanced.

• They ensure that the fuel supply is adequate for the journey.

• They make sure that the weather conditions are safe to fly in.

• They communicate with air traffic control over the radio system.

• They are in charge of the aircraft’s flight controls.

As fun as this all may sound, the job of a pilot can be very stressful and risky. Pilots allotted with long-distance routes are likely to experience fatigue and jetlag. Harsh weather conditions may cause turbulence, calling for a change in the flying altitude. The duration of a flight can be very long depending on the distance. High concentration levels are necessary to fly an aircraft. Also, just the mental stress of carrying such a huge responsibility on one’s shoulders can be overwhelming. Pilots are required to be highly alert and must have quick decision-making skills as anything can go wrong. 

Flight training is a must for becoming a pilot. It’s a mix of practical and theoretical study when learning to pilot an aircraft. Flight training comprises a combination of flight lessons given in the plane or a simulator along with theory lessons for the written exams.

Usually, airline pilots kick-start their careers as commercial pilots. Commercial pilots need a diploma or an equivalent. Airline pilots must have a bachelor's degree in aircraft operations, aeronautical engineering or aviation. All pilots must have at least a commercial pilot's license. A commercial pilot license allows the license-holder to act as a pilot of an aircraft in return for paid work. This license is valid internationally. There are some conditions to be met to obtain a pilot license. You must:

• Be capable of reading, writing, and understand English.

• Hold a private pilot license.

• Have had training in the field of commercial piloting.

• Have successfully completed the related exams.

You must also obtain first-class medical certification.

There are many ways to get a commercial pilot licence in Australia, so if you are thinking about a career in aviation, then take the next steps and start researching what you need to get enrolled in an institute today.