8 Considerations When Making A Career Change To Become A Pilot

Changing careers and following your passions can be a rewarding process. If you’re thinking about starting a new career as a pilot, knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision. Learning about the advantages the position offers and the factors that may affect your decision to become a pilot can also help you make a career change that’s right for you.

In this article, we list the benefits of making a career change to become a pilot and the nine factors that may affect your decision.

Benefits of making a career change to become a pilot

Here are four major benefits of making a career change to become a pilot:

1. Opportunity for advancement

A job as a pilot provides ample opportunities for career advancement. Once you complete your flight hours and gain experience, you can advance from a position as a pilot, such as by becoming a captain or flight instructor. Airlines typically promote employees from within once they have the required hours and training.

2. Ability to travel

Many pilots travel frequently. As a pilot, you may see new cities, cultures, and people regularly. While the duration of trips may vary, pilots can also experience a wide range of environments. A career as a pilot can give you the ability to travel while advancing your career and earning a salary.

3. Pursuit of your passions

If you’re interested in flying and aviation, becoming a pilot is a way for you to follow your passions. Working in a career that you’re passionate about can motivate you to perform well on the job and improve your sense of fulfillment at work. Having a passion for your job can also decrease the chance of burnout and promote job satisfaction.

4. High salary and job outlook

A career as a pilot can also offer a high salary and a promising job outlook. The national average salary for a pilot is $73,236 per year. This amount may vary based on your employer, experience, and the location in which you work. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment of airline and commercial pilots to grow by 13% from 2020 to 2030.

8 factors to consider when changing careers and becoming a pilot

Here are nine factors to consider before pursuing a career change and becoming a pilot:

1. Transferable skills

When making a career change, it’s important to assess the skills necessary for your new role. You may also consider any transferable skills you may have gained in your current position. Pilot skills such as time management, collaboration, communication, and multi-tasking are also common in other career paths. Determining whether you already possess some transferable skills can help you identify which skills it may be necessary to learn to change careers successfully.

2. Training requirements

Changing careers also requires dedicating time to new education and training programs. Pilot training programs and flight school can be a significant time commitment. Training programs may take anywhere from nine months to two years. These programs typically don’t pay students for the hours they spend in training. Before changing careers and becoming a pilot, considering the time it takes to undergo education and gain training hours can help you make the right decision for your needs.

3. Starting costs

The training and certifications required for pilots are a considerable investment. Becoming a pilot requires paying for flight school, certifications, and exam fees. This could vary depending on the type of pilot you hope to become. For example, commercial pilots earn a commercial pilot certificate first and earn an airline transport pilot certificate. Considering your financial situation and your ability to pay for the starting costs of becoming a pilot before pursuing the career change can help promote your financial stability during the process.

4. Lifestyle changes

Pilots follow a nontraditional lifestyle. To complete their professional duties, some pilots may pack a suitcase and arrive at an airport for a flight with little advance notice. Pilots also spend a large part of their time in hotels or airport lounges and may spend extended portions of time away from home. Before becoming a pilot, it’s helpful to consider whether you would enjoy this type of lifestyle and work environment.5. Untraditional hours and shifts

As a pilot, your workdays and shifts may vary. Each flight differs in duration, and flights can arrive or depart at any time of day. Entry-level pilots are typically on-call employees, meaning that the airline requires them to take flights at any time and with little notice. The hours you work every day may also vary significantly based on the flight you’re piloting and unexpected changes. This is because a flight may last longer than the traditional eight-hour workday and it may be subject to delays, layovers, and time zone changes.

6. Responsibility for passengers and goods

Pilots hold a high level of responsibility for the safety and satisfaction of their passengers and the goods they may transport. Passengers rely on the pilot to transport them to their destinations comfortably, safely, and efficiently. Understanding the amount of responsibility you have as a pilot requires you to have confidence in your skills and abilities. Considering whether you’re ready for the duty of ensuring passenger safety is important before becoming a pilot.

7. Job security

Airlines maintain strict standards for the physical and medical conditions of their pilots. If you develop a medical issue that prevents you from flying, it may affect your career. In addition, the airline industry may experience unexpected fluctuations. For example, a health crisis or the closure of a country’s border can cause airlines to cancel flights, which may affect the hours you’re able to work as a pilot.

8. Career type

When pursuing and researching careers as a pilot, it’s important to consider what type of pilot you want to be. Here are some of the most common types of pilots:

• Airline transport pilot: An airline transport pilot works for commercial airlines to transport passengers.

• Private pilot: A private pilot may fly at night and can fly at controlled airports.

• Sport pilot: A sport pilot flies light aircraft at low altitudes and with no more than one passenger.

• Commercial pilot: A commercial pilot flies on scheduled commercial flights and trains on the procedures and regulations for commercial flights.

I hope you find this article helpful.