Pilot training as a lifetime investment? A guide from A-Z

Have you ever thought of becoming a pilot and investing in a career full of amazing moments? Are you wondering what kind of training you will need to go through?

 

Let’s talk about everything pilot-wise!

Maybe, you are finishing high school and it is time to select your future career. 

Or, are you planning a career shift that offers a new challenge every day?

Possibly, you were always looking up to those men and women in suits and majestic airline caps who are flying people around the globe?

Does the calling “this is the captain speaking” give you chills?

Then, maybe a job as a pilot is the best choice for your future career path. We are here to answer all your questions about pilot training and discuss why it is considered a lifetime investment.

Why is pilot training an investment?

 

To begin with, being an aircraft pilot entails the responsibility for:

• Generating a flight plan, considering the performance of the aircraft, the altitude, the fuel needs and supplies and the weather conditions.
• Conducting pre-flight checks and making sure that everything goes according to the flying rules. 
• Being in charge of the smooth collaboration with the flight attendants.
• Being ready to take on any challenges that may arise while being on air.

And of course, (s)he is flying the aircraft!

Pilot training includes all the necessary theoretical and practical instruction which will qualify you as a commercial license pilot holder. Depending on the years of expertise and the flight hours, there is a different ranking for pilots:

• Second Officer
• First Officer
• Captain

Being a pilot is a prestigious job with increased responsibilities. Furthermore, as a pilot climbs the rankings his/her wage multiplies. Here you can read all about how much pilots make in different European and Non-European Countries.

In short, the pilot salary does mirror the commitment and responsibility that the job requires. The main factors that differentiate the wage are the following:

• Experience Level (Pilot Seniority)
• Type of airline (Regional versus Major Airlines)
• The rank of the pilot
• Type of aircraft flown
• In which country the airline operates 

 

 

Which are the required skills

 

Pilot training is extensive and requires dedication from the cadet. In order to acquire the essential technical and non-technical qualifications (soft skills), a candidate should advance their skills, and get ready to take on any possible challenge. Also, some of the most important skills are the development of critical thinking and the sharpening of the pilots’ reflexes.

Apart from the technical skills such as learning to actually fly the plane and how different types of aircraft operate, modern airlines ask for a certified demonstration of soft skills. These are:

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Quick thinking and decision-making attitude
• Teamwork
• Task management and prioritization 
• Adaptability and professional demeanour in all circumstances
• Working calmly under pressure.
• Self-discipline & self-confidence
• Leadership skills
• Excellent spatial awareness and coordination

 

The total cost of pilot training

 

Now, let’s talk about costs. Unfortunately, there are schools that do not showcase the whole package of costs and hide some of them. As a result, students decide to enrol with a price X only to end up paying double fees. 

The cost of the training packages to get a pilot’s license (CPL) starts at 55,000€ and may go up to 120,000€. Factors such as the way of training that a cadet will choose play an important role in the final price (Advanced All-in-one Integrated Training Program or Modular Courses)

The costs of pilot training include: every aspect from theory to flights and from examiner’s to licensing fees. For an in-depth analysis of the visible and ‘hidden costs’ you may read our article on the total price of obtaining a commercial pilot license (CPL).

 

Pilots Employment rate

 

Competent pilots are high in demand. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% employment growth for airline and commercial pilots over the next decade. This is bigger than the average growth for all other occupations.

Also, according to a recent report of Boeing regarding the Pilot Outlook of 2021 – 2040, the industry experts expect that pilot demand will rise globally over the next 20 years. In a nutshell, it is projected that more than 612,000 new pilots will be needed. Below the analytical project per region is presented: 

• Europe: 115,000
• Middle East: 54,000
• North America: 130,000
• Russia & Central Asia: 25,000
• China: 123,000
• Asia-Pacific: 108,000
• Africa: 19,000
• Latin America: 38,000

 

In Egnatia Aviation we are proud to report that our cadets are being employed within their first year after graduation. We have provided high-quality pilot training to more than 2,550 students, with a 95.7% employment rate. Our alumni fly for leading airlines in over 61 countries.

See our employment statistics

 

How to choose an Aviation Academy

 

When it comes to selecting the ideal Flight Academy, there are a few factors to seriously consider. Initially, you should not limit your choice either in your region or continent. The most important is to choose an EASA Approved Training Academy which is approved by and provides pilots to major Airlines around the world.

The most essential is finding out about the:

• Employment rate
• Qualifications granted after graduation
• Expertise of the faculty
• Partnerships with leading airlines
• Accreditations they have received from world-recognized organizations

Egnatia Aviation is one of the top-5 Airline pilot training Academies in Europe. The recognition of its high-quality training courses that are formed with international standards makes Egnatia stand out. The wide variety of approved programs caters to all the needs of modern airlines. Also, the faculty consists of highly proficient and accomplished instructors.

Recently, Egnatia acquired and is in the process of developing its own modern airport. Very close to Kavala town in Greece (Amygdaleonas area) the new airport will house:

• Egnatia Airline Pilot Training Academy
• Aircraft hangar, maintenance, and CAMO services for all light aircraft, and other airport services
• Students’ accommodation and other facilities 

Living and studying to become a pilot in Egnatia Aviation is a unique experience. The natural surroundings, the modern fleet, the state-of-the-art equipment, the experienced instructors, and the social life of Kavala are the perfect combination for taxing off as a pilot! Our mission? To prepare the pilots of the future, today!

 

Speak with a mentor about our high-quality pilot training programs