Do you dream of soaring through the clouds, travelling to different places for a living?
I am going to help you decide if you can choose to take up flying as your career.
FINANCES
The most important and the first thing to consider is managing finances. Taking flying lessons is one of the most expensive training you'll ever undergo. The cost of it includes paying for ground school, actual flight or simulator lessons, pilot gear, uniform, accessories, and books etc. Anything that relates to aviation becomes expensive essentially.
When the flight school quotes you a certain amount for the course, don't count on sticking to that exact number. Plan on spending 15-20% more than the quoted cost. Not because the school intends to fool you. Because that amount depends on several factors. The minimum number of flying hours, the ground instruction required, fuel price and surcharge and other such variables are used to quote the cost of training.
Flying is an art, and it may take someone more practice to learn this art. Usually, more than the minimum requirement. Additionally, weather delays may hold you back, ultimately leading to more training. That will add to the expense.
However, bank loans and scholarships are good to consider. Read my article on how you can minimise flight training cost.
MEDICAL
A pilot's license is incomplete without having a current and valid aviation medical certificate. The medical certificate is divided into three classes, namely Class I, II and III depending on the flying you would like to do.
Airline Pilots need to maintain a Class 1 medical certificate. During your whole career as a pilot, you will need to meet specific medical standards set by your country's aviation authority. These will be determined by several physical tests such as EEG, eye/ear examination, blood sugar levels, reflex actions etc.
So I highly recommend getting your medical Class 1 certificate first, by an authorised Aviation Medical Examiner. The list of authorised medical examiners is generally available on the respective aviation authority's webpage.
PSYCHOMOTOR SKILLS
A great deal in acquiring flying skill is dependant on an individual's psychomotor learning ability. Psychomotor learning is the relationship between cognitive functions and physical movement. To say it in simple words, it means hand-eye coordination.
When you walk, drive a car, or ride a cycle, your reflexes react to what you see and accordingly manipulate controls. It's the same with flying. Especially when flying close to the ground, during take-off and landing, an excellent hand-eye coordination skill is vital.
EDUCATION
You don't need a Masters Degree or be a mathematician, to be a good pilot. Instead, the only calculations that are required are uncomplicated addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. But what you do need is efficiency and precision in your calculations.
Some airlines nowadays do require you to hold a Bachelors degree, when considering a promotion as a Captain. Check the regulations regarding education requirements in the country you reside or where you plan to work.
Some regulatory authorities might have their minimum requirements in terms of percentage of marks achieved in high school. The related aviation authority will provide this information on their website.
LIFESTYLE
Media, not just social but digital media too, plays a considerable role in glamorising a pilot's lifestyle. Undeniably it's not a complete saddening life.
Depending on one’s point of view there is good and bad about every job. The most positive aspect I like about my job is that I get to fly! Flying has always been my passion. The other things I love about my job include travelling, taking people to their dream vacations, uniting families, enjoying different cuisines, and many more.
However, everything comes with a price. As an airline pilot, you will be working at odd hours, and fly on usual weekends. The long haul flights that I operate have a departure time around midnight. Not to forget, flying long haul means changing time zones too. Pilots will also fly on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. A typical layover away from home base can be anywhere from 4 days to a week. You will be away from family.
Even if it may sound doable for you now, think of doing it as a career for life, before taking your decision.
CONCLUSION
Money matters! Make sure you have adequate finances available or arrangements done before you start your flying lessons. If there's a shortage of funds during your training, it'll hamper your training progress. The next thing to do is to get your Class 1 Medical Certificate. Having the medical exam done assures you of being medically fit for your job.
Improve your psychomotor skills, by learning a physical skill like driving a car, or riding a bicycle. Get good at solving small math quizzes with precision while maintaining efficiency at the same time.
And lastly, give it a second thought if you are not comfortable staying away from home.
Although this is not a completely comprehensive list, you can consider becoming a pilot, if you can sort out these five things.
Get in touch with me if you need further assistance.
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