Being a jet pilot is a dream for many people and while it may be hard to achieve it is far from impossible. With the right level of dedication and commitment it is possible to become a jet pilot with all of the perks the lifestyle brings. There is a constant demand for private jet charter and private jet hire pilots and many companies find it hard to get the pilots they need to cover all of their flights.
Before we look at the qualifications and criteria you need to meet to be a jet pilot let’s take a quick look at some of the reasons why being a pilot is such a coveted job. To start with being a jet pilot is far from being your usual 9-5 job. Instead of being stuck in an office all day you will be at the controls of some of the most advanced machines ever created flying to destinations all around the world. Doesn’t that beat selling insurance for a living? Secondly jet pilots of all types are very well rewarded for their services.
The captain of a medium sized jet can expect to earn well over £50,000 each year and there is the potential to earn much more working for the biggest commercial airlines. Finally there are lots of stewardesses to flirt with (only joking!).
Are there any downsides to being a pilot? Well as it isn’t a regular 9-5 job the working hours can be very irregular. You will also be spending a great deal of time away from home and there is of course a lot of responsibility that goes with being a pilot. The safety of passengers, crew and the plane itself is in the pilot hands and it is not something to be taken lightly.
To be a pilot there are a number of physical and academic requirements that must be passed before you can obtain a licence. Good hearing and eyesight are essential although they do not need to be perfect.
A pilot must also have no medical conditions that could interfere with his or her ability to fly a plane. Academic qualifications up to A-level standard are generally required for most pilot training programs. If you meet these criteria there are a number of ways that a pilot’s licence can be obtained. Most people choose to pay for the training themselves and this will cost in the region of £80,000 to gain a full licence. Some of the large commercial airlines run their own pilot training programs although these are notoriously hard to get into. Many jet pilots are former military pilots and obtained their training through service in the armed forces.
Being a pilot for a private jet charter or private jet hire company offers many rewards and is a job unlike any other.
