What is it like to be an airline pilot? Things you may not know!

🕗 4 minutes | June 6, 2024 | Text Mateusz Łapuć

Many people dream of becoming an airline pilot, but not everyone knows what the job actually entails. Flying isn’t just about travelling, sightseeing, and breathtaking views. It also involves great responsibility, numerous procedures, and continuous training to ensure safe flights. Read this article to discover what being an airline pilot is really like.

If you want to start a career as an airline pilot, you have two main training paths:

1️⃣ University Degree Program

• The most common route is enrolling in an aviation-related university that offers the necessary licenses and certifications.
• In Poland, aviation programs are available at:
  • Military Aviation Academy in Dęblin
  • Rzeszów University of Technology
  • Poznań University of Technology
  • State Academy of Applied Sciences in Chełm
  • Silesian University of Technology (Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Katowice)
• This academic route takes approximately five years.

2️⃣ Private Training (Flight School or Cadet Programs)

• Flight schools certified by the Civil Aviation Authority offer private pilot training.
• This path typically takes around three years, depending on:
  • Availability of flight instructors and aircraft.
  • The trainee's schedule and progress.
• Some airlines offer cadet programs, providing structured pilot training and a guaranteed job upon completion if all requirements are met.

Wondering what a pilot's career progression looks like?

1️⃣ First Officer – Every new pilot starts as a First Officer (right seat in the cockpit).
2️⃣ Captain – After gaining experience, accumulating flight hours, and passing exams, a First Officer can be promoted to Captain (left seat, in command).
3️⃣ Instructor Pilot – Some Captains go on to become flight instructors, training new pilots.
4️⃣ Flight Examiner – Highly experienced pilots can become certified examiners who evaluate and test other pilots.

Like any profession, being a pilot has its advantages and challenges.

✅ Pros of being a pilot:

• No monotony—every flight is different.
• Exciting career growth—continuous learning and new skills.
• Global travel—exploring new destinations.
• Breathtaking views—flying above the clouds.
• Job satisfaction—pilots take pride in their profession.

❌ Cons of being a pilot:

• Irregular work hours—flights operate at all hours.
• High responsibility—ensuring the safety of hundreds of passengers.
• Working under pressure—decision-making in real-time.
• Time away from home—especially on long-haul routes.
• Continuous training—regular simulator sessions and health check-ups.

Despite these challenges, most airline pilots love their job and wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

A pilot’s daily routine varies, depending on the airline and aircraft type.

Pre-Flight Preparations:

1️⃣ Reviewing flight documentation—checking weather reports and potential turbulence.
2️⃣ Crew briefing—meeting with the cabin crew to discuss safety and service procedures.
3️⃣ Aircraft inspection—the First Officer conducts a pre-flight walk-round to check the aircraft’s condition.

During the Flight:

4️⃣ Takeoff & cruise—the Captain and First Officer alternate roles: one is the flying pilot, and the other is the monitoring pilot.
5️⃣ Radio communication—pilots coordinate with air traffic control (ATC) throughout the flight.
6️⃣ Landing & post-flight—after landing, pilots complete the necessary post-flight procedures.

After completing their assigned flights, pilots either return home or stay overnight in a destination city before their next duty.

Pilot working hours are regulated by:

• European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) rules.
• Airline policies and aircraft type.

Short-Haul Pilots (Domestic & European Flights):

• Perform 4 to 6 flight rotations per day.
• Return home at the end of each shift.

Medium-Haul Pilots (Astana, Dubai, Riyadh, etc.):

• Fly to a destination and stay overnight.
• Resume duty the next day.

Long-Haul Pilots (Boeing 787 Dreamliner – USA, Asia):

• Fly intercontinental routes (e.g., Warsaw–New York).
• Get 24–48 hours rest at the destination.
• Typically fly four long-haul trips per month.

On long-haul flights, cockpit crews rotate shifts, ensuring rest time for pilots in a dedicated crew rest area equipped with bunks.

Aside from technical knowledge and flying skills, a great pilot possesses specific personality traits:

• Calm under pressure – Able to make quick, rational decisions.
• Excellent communication skills – Works well in a multi-crew environment.
• Situational awareness – Understands air traffic and flight conditions at all times.
• Continuous learning mindset – Aviation constantly evolves, requiring ongoing training.
• Strict adherence to safety protocols – Follows all procedures and regulations.
• Adaptability – Handles changing flight schedules and environments.