Aircraft Pilot

• Advanced Diploma of Aviation

When most people think of pilots, their images are of airline pilots flying passengers to and from holiday and business destinations, or the 'Maverick' military pilots in action films. Pilots fly various types of aircraft including light planes, helicopters or airline aircraft, depending on the aircraft type they are approved to fly.

They may transport passengers, mail and freight within Australia, to or from overseas locations on scheduled (airline) and unscheduled (charter) services, or provide other aviation services as required.

Not quite the career you are looking for? Please try the related course profiles below:

Outdoor

Farm hand,  Horse Trainer,  Aircraft Pilot,  Police Officer,  Travel Consultant (Domestic and International),  Child Care Worker,  Miner,  Mineral Processing Operator,  Viticulturist and Vineyard Hand,  Horticultural Tradesperson (Gardener),  Animal Attendant,  Nursery Worker,  Farmer and Farm Manager,  Livestock Buyer/Livestock Farmers,  Sports Coach,  Aquaculture Farmer and Technician,  Caravan Park/Camping grounds Manager,  Private Investigator,  Landcare Officer,  Telecommunications Technician,  Automotive Electrician,  Ecotourism Guide,  Park Ranger,  Shearer,  Jockey,  Cartographer - Surveyor,  Boilermakers/Welder,  Painters and Decorator,  Environmental Scientist / Environmental Project Officer,  Bricklayer

If your goal is to be an airline pilot, you'll need at least Year 12 completion with preferred studies in maths, English, physics and aeronautics. ''People with degrees have demonstrated that they are disciplined and likely to be good life-long learners, something which is very important in view of the rapid changes which occur in aviation technology.

Currently 38% of pilots have Advanced Diplomas or Diplomas, 24% have Bachelor Degrees, 7% have Certificate III or Certificate IV. While 30% have no post-school qualification it is recommended that further study be undertaken to remain competitive in the industry.

TAFE SA offers an Advanced Diploma of Aviation and the University of South Australia offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (Civil Aviation) to prepare you for employment in this industry.

Pilots start by applying for their Student Pilot Licence which includes passing a medical examination. The first stage is then the General Flying Progress Test which allows them to carry passengers in the area close to the aerodrome. After navigation training and exams, they qualify for the Private Pilot Licence. The next step is the Commercial Pilot Licence, which permits pilots to fly for hire or reward. With this licence, you can become a flying instructor, charter, air ambulance, aerial survey, corporate, or coastwatch pilot. For most full time flying jobs, experience is the key, so getting as much practice as possible and in a variety of aircraft is helpful in increasing your employment opportunities. To become an airline captain, you'll need the Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), which requires further study and accumulating 1,500 hours of flight experience. With an ATPL, the sky is literally the limit. While military pilots can also find employment with commercial companies, entry via this route is also highly competitive. They receive excellent training and are required to remain in military service for at least 10 years after graduation.

Transport and Storage

To be updated.

The work of a pilot begins long before they get in the air. Pilots spend a lot of time before each flight carefully planning the flight route, examining the weather reports, balancing the cargo and passenger load, calculating the fuel required and inspecting the aircraft. They are ultimately responsible for the safety of their passengers, crew and cargo and every precaution is taken before the plane leaves the ground. Often those flying smaller charters are also responsible for loading and unloading passengers and cargo. Pilots are required to fly during both night and day and in a variety of weather conditions and climates. Be prepared to work irregular hours and to be away from home a lot, including weekends and holidays. However, since pilots are limited in the number of hours they are permitted to fly, they may also spend lengthy periods at home. Training is costly and pilots frequently change jobs and localities in the earlier parts of their careers while they gain experience.

It’s a popular and high profile career, characterised by very competitive entry, a high degree of responsibility and the need to maintain high standards of competence and fitness not just to cope with emergencies but to remain focused and alert for long periods of time.

Aircraft pilots must pass a medical examination by a doctor approved by the Civil Aviation and Safety Authority. It is essential that they have good eyesight (can be corrected with spectacles). They need to be able to make accurate judgments quickly and remain calm in an emergency. They also need to be able to use and analyse information from various sources and make logical decisions. Aircraft pilots in Australia also need to be able to speak, write and understand English.

A charter pilot is a pilot for hire, who carries people and materials to and from selected destinations, including mining sites. They are also engaged by people carrying out aerial photography, surveying or taking people on site-seeing tours. A cargo pilot, on the other hand, delivers anything from fresh food to mail on regular routes. Spotter pilots are the eyes for a group on the ground - directing fire crews to remote forest fires or directing tour boats. Agricultural pilots fly crop dusting planes that spray crops with pesticides and fertilisers. Military pilots fly fighter, bomber, maritime patrol and transport aircraft, as well as helicopters for the Air Force, Army and Navy. ''There are career opportunities for the young school leaver right through to the person who decides to make a career change in their middle years,'' says an industry professional. ''We have also had students who have made mid-life career changes just to become flying instructors. They love flying that much.''

For further information, contact:

Civil Aviation Safety Authority (SA)
PO Box 126 PBC Adelaide SA 5950
Ph: 13 17 57 (Toll Free)
Internet Address: http://www.casa.gov.au

Human Resources, Qantas Airways Ltd
203 Coward St Mascot NSW 2020
Ph: (02) 9691 3200
Internet Address: http://www.qantas.com.au

Australian Federation of Air Pilots
Level 6, 132 Albert Rd South Melbourne VIC 3205
Ph: (03) 9699 4200
Fax: (03) 9699 8199
Email: industrial@afap.org.au
Internet Address: http://www.afap.org.au

Starting salaries for pilots are $60,000 per year. Salaries are around $65,000 for general aviation pilots who usually fly with small commercial or charter companies where the work is subject to demand. Airline pilots are a different story. According to the Australian Federation of Air Pilots, the top end of the pay scale is $250,000!

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au