What certifications do you need to be a pilot?

Answer 1

Each country will have their own version but through the UK we have;

to begin training as a pilot are a minimum of five GCSEs and two A-levels. A degree or postgraduate qualification is not required although some people may choose to take one to make them stand out in the tough competition.

BA in Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training but this degree is not essential to become an airline pilot.

The training to become a pilot requires a good level of understanding of maths and physics and so any qualifications that demonstrate this may be of an advantage.

In order to work as an airline pilot you must hold an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL). This qualification is known as a 'frozen ATLP' and becomes 'unfrozen' when a certain number of hours and experience have been achieved.

The two main ways to achieve an ATPL are via the following courses:

*Integrated course:

an intensive full-time course which takes around 18 months to complete. No previous experience is required for this route, with training providers taking students from zero hours of flying up to the required amount for the ATPL.

*Modular training:

this is offered by the same training providers and covers the same topics and examinations as the integrated route, but is carried out in chunks which can be completed with breaks in between. The theory side of the course can be completed as a full-time classroom course or as a distance learning course to allow the student to work at the same time. To carry out the modular route the student must already hold a private pilot's licence and needs to have completed 150 hours of flying before commencing the practical flying aspect of the course.

Full or part sponsorship from an airline which pays for the student’s training is sometimes available, but usually only when the aviation industry is doing well and there is a high demand for pilots.

Required skills basefor an airline pilot include;

1 an understanding of maths and physics;

2 an ability to understand technical information, as pilots need to know how their aircraft works;

3 excellent spatial awareness and coordination;

4 good communication skills;

5 the ability to think quickly and respond appropriately in difficult situations;

6 discipline, self-confidence and commitment;

7leadership skills, with the ability to give clear commands to cabin crew and passengers.