3512- AIRCRAFT PILOTS AND FLIGHT ENGINEERS

Job Title: 

AIRCRAFT PILOTS AND FLIGHT ENGINEERS

Alternate Titles: 

Airline pilot,First officer (airlines),Flight engineer,Flying instructor,Helicopter pilot

Job Description: 

Aircraft flight deck officers check, regulate, adjust and test engines and other equipment prior to take-off, navigate and pilot aircraft and give flying lessons.

Education: 

Entrants with GCSEs/S grades and A levels/H grades, an Advanced GNVQ/GSVQ Level III or a BTEC/ SQA award can apply for an airline sponsorship. Private residential training is available to candidates with GCSEs/S grades or appropriate BTEC/SQA or GNVQ/GSVQ awards or to holders of Private Pilots Licences who have 700 hours flying experience. Normal colour vision is required and candidates undergo a medical examination. Training lasts up to 15 months and consists of courses of study and flying instruction. Airlines may have additional age and height requirements.
Refer The S/NVQ framework for more details

NS-SEC: 

The simplified NS-SEC analytic class for this code is 1.2
The simplified NS-SEC operational category for this code is 3.2
Refer The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification for more details

Tasks: 


  • studies flight plan, discusses it with flight deck crew and makes any necessary adjustments
  • directs or undertakes routine checks on engines, instruments, control panels, cargo distribution and fuel supplies;
  • directs or undertakes the operation of controls to fly aeroplanes and helicopters, complying with air traffic control and aircraft operating procedures;
  • monitors fuel consumption, air pressure, engine performance and other indicators during flight and advises pilot of any factors that affect the navigation or performance of the aircraft;
  • maintains radio contact and discusses weather conditions with air traffic controllers;
  • performs specified tests to determine aircraft?s stability, response to controls and overall performance;
  • accompanies pupil on training flights and demonstrates flying techniques.