Air Traffic Controller
Performs core professional/technical/service tasks characteristic of air traffic controller, within the relevant organizational and regulatory context.
06 · Qualifications & training you need
A pilot’s licence is essential. Pilots may train at university, private flying school, or through the armed forces.
Where people train for this
03 · Education pathway
Aviation/aerospace/engineering training; pilot and operational roles require regulator-specific licences/certificates.
04 · Lifestyle
Unusual working hours go with the job, and pilots usually work in shifts. They will often spend long periods away from home.
04 · Location
Pilots on long-haul flights typically spend a rest day at their destination before flying home. Short-haul pilots usually return to base each day.
21 · The realities
Private training for a pilot’s licence is costly and there is a lot of competition for good jobs. Pilots spend most of their time in the cockpit.
12 · How the pathway typically runs
AT A GLANCE Gaining a pilot’s licence is the first step towards a career as a pilot. With sufficient experience and flying hours, you can work towards becoming a first officer and then a captain. Pilots can work for passenger airlines, charter airlines, freight carriers, or private jet operators. PRIVATE PILOT You can train for a pilot’s licence with a private flying school. It may take up to 18 months to clock up the required flying hours. ARMED FORCES PILOT If you serve for a given period of time as a pilot in the armed forces, you may be able to take a conversion course to qualify as a commercial pilot.
07 · Graduate route
A degree in aviation studies or a similar subject will help your chances of finding a role with an airline company.