Introduction:
You graduated from flight school, and now you want to land a pilot job! This article will give you an overview of what to expect!
This is the third article of a series named “The Complete Guide To Becoming A Pilot”.
If you haven’t read the previous article, then please click here.
If you want to find all the articles in this guide, then please click here.
After graduating flight school, people are usually divided into groups:
- Students on an Airline-Sponsored Program: These students will join their airline straight away.
- Self-Sponsored Students (EU): EU students from reputable schools often find jobs quickly at Ryanair, EasyJet, or another airline partnered with their flight schools.
- Self-Sponsored Students (Non-EU): Non-EU students may not have the same opportunities, even if they studied at the same schools, because they don’t have the right to live and work in the EU.
- Self-Sponsored – Others: Opportunities can vary widely.
It’s not always the same as I mentioned – Don’t take it as a rule! Because it will depend on the period you graduate on, the global pilots demand, and so on, but that was what I experienced and observed.
Job hunting as a fresh pilot is tough because airlines usually ask for type-rated experienced first officers. Still, there are few airlines (the number would increase or decrease depending on pilot shortage), and most of them are low-cost airlines that accept fresh graduates but either ask them to pay for the type rating (around $30k) during training or will deduct it from their monthly salaries if they are successful.
My Top 7 Tips to Get a Pilot Job:
- Update Your LinkedIn Profile:
- Network with airline pilots and ask if they expect their airline to hire soon.
- Note: Do not spam HR on LinkedIn. You can ask gently, but don’t copy and paste a pre-written letter and send it to every HR you see.
- Use Job Search Websites:
- Keep looking on websites such as Flight Deck Friend (Low Hour Pilot Jobs section), Aviationjobs.me, pilotcareercenter.com, latestpilotjobs.com, and aviationjobsearch.com.
- Check Airline Career Sections:
- If you have an airline in mind, check the career section on their website or ask their HR on LinkedIn with a quick, brief message. Don’t take it personally if they don’t reply, as they get a ton of messages every day.
- Attend Pilot Expos and Exhibitions:
- Go to pilot expos and various exhibitions for networking.
- Apply for Suitable Jobs:
- Don’t apply for jobs you don’t have the requirements for, especially as a fresh graduate; you will waste your time.
- Keep Your ATPL Knowledge Fresh:
- Brush up on your ATPL knowledge a bit every day, so you don’t get rusty.
- Be Patient During Tough Times:
- Aviation is badly damaged during the COVID period, so if you are a fresh graduate, you have to be patient for a long time. Hopefully, a brighter future is coming.
How to Prepare for a Pilot Job Assessment:
Well done! You are now invited for an assessment, and you are one step closer to grabbing that pilot job you always wanted. Brace yourself and prepare as much as you can. For the purpose of keeping this guide on point, I skipped a few details (planning to write a full detailed article about pilot assessment in the future after finishing my research!).
For now, here are a few tips on what to do:
- Brush Up on ATPL Theory:
- Mainly focus on Principles of Flight, Meteorology, Aircraft General Knowledge, Performance, Air Law, and Operational Procedures. Use your flight school manuals, dedicated websites, or summarised manuals on Amazon.
- Seek Feedback Online:
- Look for feedback on forums such as Pprune, but be prepared for a ton of negative feedback about any airline you mention; that’s normal as pilots often complain about their jobs.
- Research Testing Platforms:
- Know what testing platform the airline uses. Get a subscription on websites like “latestpilotjobs” or “pilotaptitudetest”. “Skytest” is an excellent go-to software for preparation if it includes the airline you are applying for.
- Book a Simulator:
- If you have time and money, book a simulator to simulate your assessment.
- Prepare for Common Interview Questions:
- Write down answers to the most commonly asked questions in the interview.
- Research the Airline:
- Collect as much info as you can about the airline you are applying for, including history, fleet, financial reports, and more.
Conclusion: Landing Your First Pilot Job is not easy
Landing your first pilot job after graduation can be a challenging and sometimes daunting process. However, with the right preparation, networking, and perseverance, you can navigate the job market successfully. Remember to keep your ATPL knowledge fresh, utilise job search websites and networking opportunities, and prepare thoroughly for any assessments or interviews. The aviation industry may have its ups and downs, but your dedication and passion for flying will ultimately guide you to a rewarding career as a pilot.
