Being a pilot is a cool job, you get to fly planes every day to exotic places with (generally) very nice people! Becoming an airline pilot is a dream for many people. The allure of a high-flying lifestyle, the excitement of exploration, and the opportunity to travel the world are unmatched by any other profession. In this post, I’ll give you the 7 BEST reasons to become an airline pilot.
1) Pilot Salary
One of the most obvious and best reasons to become an airline pilot is the potential for a high salary. Airline pilots are among the highest-paid professionals in the world, and their salaries reflect the responsibility, skills, and training required to operate a commercial aircraft. You can expect to earn a starting salary of around £40,000 per year. This will constantly increase with your experience, potentially reaching close to £175,000 as a training captain.
For the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for airline pilots was $202,180 in May 2021. In addition to a high salary, many airlines offer comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and free or discounted travel for pilots, their families, and even their friends.
2) Travel Benefits or Staff Travel
Another great reason to become an airline pilot is the travel benefits. As a pilot, you’ll have the opportunity to travel the world and experience new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. This will be part of your job, and your time down route will be paid for by your employer. Additionally, most airlines offer free or discounted travel for their employees, which means that you can take advantage of your time off to explore new destinations. I recently travelled to Porto in Portugal and back for about £30 total!
3) Variety of work
Another appeal of being an airline pilot is the variety that comes with the job. If you prefer routine and stability, this is not the job for you! Pilots will work with different crews, fly different routes, and work different shifts also on different variants of aircraft. This variety can keep the job fresh and exciting and can help pilots avoid burnout. Furthermore, the variety can provide opportunities to learn new skills and work with different people, which can be both professionally and personally rewarding. Usually, you can bid for work patterns that suit your lifestyle, I personally prefer working late shifts so I bid for those!
4) Pilots Never Stop Learning
As an airline pilot, you’ll never stop learning. The aviation industry is constantly evolving, and pilots must stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, safety procedures, and regulations. This means that pilots must complete regular training and continuing education courses to maintain their skills and stay current with industry developments. Every 6 months you’ll be put through your paces in the simulator carrying out essential training. A good pilot is one who is always thirsty for knowledge and never gets complacent and thinks they “know enough”. You can always learn more! For those who love to learn and grow, being an airline pilot can be a highly fulfilling career.
5) Pilots See Outstanding Views
One of the most unique benefits of being an airline pilot is the chance to see the world from a different perspective. Pilots have access to incredible views of the earth, including mountains, oceans, and cityscapes. This perspective can be awe-inspiring and can provide a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of the world. Daytime, night time, good weather, bad weather, the views are incredible and you have a front row seat!
6) Pilots don’t take work home!
The parking brake is on, back to the car park and you’re done. No answering emails from your phone, no calls on your days off, no “just finishing some work off before dinner”. Your time off is your time off, period. Don’t get me wrong, you have to do SOME work at home. For example, in the weeks leading up to your simulator check you will be required to do some reading (or do it during the cruise if you wish). I’ve worked in an office and by far flying is superior. You can truly switch off from work and enjoy your time off.
7) Prestige of being a pilot
Finally, becoming an airline pilot is still a highly prestigious profession. Pilots are responsible for the safety and well-being of hundreds of passengers, and their skills and expertise are highly respected. Furthermore, the image of the pilot as a competent and confident professional is a highly appealing one and is a source of pride for those who choose this career path. I am proud to wear my uniform every day, I’ve earned it. You can too.
Being an airline pilot a highly attractive career choice for those who are passionate about aviation, travel, and adventure. However, it is important to note that becoming an airline pilot requires a significant investment in time and money, as well as a high level of skill, dedication, and responsibility.
Despite these challenges, becoming an airline pilot can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career. It offers a unique combination of adventure, prestige, and financial security. For those who are passionate about aviation and are willing to put in the work, becoming an airline pilot can be a dream come true. If you’re going to invest in this career, make sure you know for sure why you want to be an airline pilot. It will come up in your interview!
