What salary would a pilot make in the UK? And what salary would a pilot earn in the USA? Is there any difference in the pay scale between pilots in the UK and pilots in the US?
In this blog, I will share my experience working as a pilot in the UK. I’ll give you some insight into how much a pilot makes and how much you’d need to live in the UK if you plan to become a pilot.
Introduction: How much should pilots earn? This is a hotly contested issue. Many would say that pilots must work hard to make a decent salary. Others would say they should be paid a fair amount as they risk their lives every day. The truth is that pilots in the UK receive relatively low salaries. The national average is £22,500 a year.
What is a pilot’s salary?
What salary would a pilot make in the UK? And what salary would a pilot earn in the USA? Is there any difference in the pay scale between pilots in the UK and pilots in the US?
In this blog, I will share my experience working as a pilot in the UK. I’ll give you some insight into how much a pilot makes and how much you’d need to live in the UK if you plan to become a pilot.
This article will break down the different types of experiences that you may need in your resume when applying for a legal job.
What is a commercial pilot’s salary?
I worked in aviation for around five years before moving to a new job where I had to find another way to earn money. After trying different positions in the hospitality industry, I decided to apply for a job as a pilot.
When I started applying for jobs as a pilot, the starting salary for a private pilot was around £25k, with the potential to earn more as you go up the ladder.
It can be quite a difficult career, as the process is very competitive, with many people applying for every position. If you want to make a great living as a pilot, you need to have a strong portfolio of experience in the field.
For example, if you’ve been flying for a few years, you’ll have much experience to put on your resume. However, you must prove your skills with experience and qualifications if you’ve just started flying.
When I applied for my current position, I was very fortunate to get an interview and an offer within a few days.
The average salary for a private pilot in the UK is around £35k per annum, although you’ll have to work hard for that figure.
What is a general aviation pilot’s salary?
A general aviation pilot’s salary is generally between £20k-£30k per year. If you plan to apply for a commercial pilot role, you can expect to earn between £50k-£75k per year.
This is not an exact figure, as it depends on many factors. For example, a private jet pilot will earn a higher salary than a general aviation pilot.
Pilot salaries are based on experience. Pilots with less than 1,500 flight hours will earn less than experienced pilots. However, if you’re starting, you’ll probably be paid less than a professional pilot with no flight hours.
There’s a lot more to consider. For example, if you work for a charter company, you’ll earn less than a full-time employee at a major airline.
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of living. Some places are cheaper than others, and some areas are more expensive.
Your salary is also affected by your experience.
Most pilots start at the bottom and work their way up.
How do you get hired as a pilot?
If you are an aspiring pilot, then congratulations. This is a long-term career choice, and you should start preparing now.
It’s important to ensure your resume is ready for any legal job. If you are applying for a career in the aviation industry, you’ll want to ensure you have at least five years of relevant experience on your resume.
For this reason, I recommend that you spend time building up your skillset and gaining relevant experience.
You can start by volunteering for commercial air charter companies. If you do well, you can soon apply for a paid position.
How much does it cost to be a pilot?
It costs £3,000 to train as a commercial pilot. There is also an additional £6,000 for a pilot license. You’ll need to have at least 2,500 flight hours before you can start flying for a company.
That means you’ll need to accumulate 2,500 hours of flight time before you can work for a company.
You’ll also need to pass several medical tests, including a physical examination, a drug test, and an eye test.
Once you’ve passed all the medical tests, you can apply for your PPL (Private Pilot License).
You’ll also need to pass a written exam. The written exam is called the GPS (Graduated Probationary License).
Once you’ve passed the GPS, you must pass a practical test. After the practical test, you’ll be issued a license.
How long does it take to become a pilot?
To become a pilot, you’ll need to pass a medical examination, obtain a pilot license and then go for training.
There are several stages to becoming a pilot, and they’re all outlined here: https://www.faa.gov/airports/airman.
The first stage is called the pre-pilot stage. To become a pilot, you must be medically fit and have at least 200 hours of flight time. You’ll also need the appropriate skills, qualifications, and a valid pilot license.
The second stage is called the pilot’s stage. It’s a two-year training period where you’ll spend most of your time learning about aeronautical science. You’ll also learn how to fly a plane and the basics of aerodynamics.
The third stage is called the examiner’s stage. This is the final stage, which takes around a year to complete. During this stage, you’ll be trained to be an examiner and work as an examiner for another airline.
What training is required to become a pilot?
Pilots need a mix of skills and experience to make them an attractive option. They must be able to pass medical and drug tests. They must be trained and qualified to fly a certain aircraft type. And they need to have the ability to communicate well with passengers.
There are two options to become a pilot in the UK: the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the private sector.
While the CAA is the first choice for most pilots, they only train a few people yearly. This is because of the strict training requirements and the many applicants.
There are more opportunities for pilots in the private sector, but it’s not for everyone. Only those with the right personality traits and abilities can succeed in the private sector.
You must pass the Private Pilot Licence exam to become a private pilot. This is a tough exam and requires specific skills to pass.
The CAA also offers a private pilot license. However, this is an entry-level position, so it won’t be the first step toward becoming a pilot.
What qualifications are needed?
To start with, you should always have a good degree in aviation. However, certain qualifications make you more attractive to potential employers.
For example, if you’re a university student wanting to study aviation, you might want to consider an undergraduate course relevant to the industry.
You’ll probably want to have completed at least a year of work experience after your degree. This will give you a better idea of how to approach the job.
Having completed an internship or worked in a related field is also a good idea.
Finally, it would help if you tried to complete a training course relevant to your career goals. This will help you understand the industry and make you a desirable candidate.
Frequently asked questions about pilot salary uk
Q: How do you feel about getting paid less than an airline pilot?
A: I would never be satisfied with being paid less than what I feel is fair. I am lucky to have such a great career.
Q: What would you say to someone who says they don’t care what they make because it’s just a job?
A: I would tell them that they are making themselves miserable if they work a job they do not enjoy.
Q: What would you tell a person who wants to start their own business?
A: A person who wants to start their own business needs to think about why they want to do this. That will not be a good decision if the answer is for money or to make more money. The business has to have something that you love.
Q: What’s your favorite way to relax?
A: I enjoy traveling, reading books, and
Top myths about pilot salary uk
1. Flying is dangerous.
2. Pilots should not work for free.
3. Flying is easy.
4. Flying is not a job.
5. The FAA has too much power.
Conclusion
The job of a pilot is a highly specialized one. Most people who dream of flying don’t know the first thing about what it takes to become a pilot.
It can be a very stressful job. However, if you’re committed to this career path, you can make a good living.
This may be a good career if you enjoy working with people and being outdoors.