Contacts & Networking
One of the most important things to begin to do as soon as you start flight training is begin to network. In all careers and industries, it’s often said that is all about who you know. Aviation is no different, it is perhaps more important in aviation. Any aspiring pilot should be in regular contact with someone who is already doing that. Luckily, as you progress through flight training, you will come into contact with more and more people like this. When you do, ensure you introduce yourself and gain a means of communicating with them. You might need it in the future! For your first airline interview for example, you may be able to run through a few questions with them. It’s also important to network with the pilot recruitment teams and management of an airline. This is harder than networking with pilots, but can be done at events like the Pilot Careers Live Exhibition’s across Europe. Do all that you can to build a portfolio of aviation contacts; it will serve you well.
In the age of digital networking, LinkedIn provides a fantastic platform in order to communicate and connect with pilots and aviation professionals. It is seriously worth considering creating a LinkedIn account if you haven’t already. Ensure that your profile is up to date, professional and attractive to airlines. It may help you secure that interview, anything is possible this day and age! Our Founder Charles obtained his first commercial flying role through networking at the peak of Covid-19. There is a balance to keeping in touch and trying too hard, but a genuine, modest and positive approach to wanting to start your career in the industry will be noticed.
Motivation
Throughout your training this is perhaps the most important thing to any aspiring pilot, Motivation.
Motivation is key to reaching your goal of the left hand seat of an airliner and beyond. Without motivation, I personally believe that it’s simply not possible to become a commercial pilot. This is because of the vast amount of barriers that are required to overcome. Of course, many professions are full of barriers, however I believe the route to the flight deck is an especially challenging one, and I am sure that many pilots and aspiring pilots will agree. Drawing on personal experiences, I I began with an aviation degree which if it weren’t for motivation, especially since it required a science foundation year alongside an extra years tuition fees, was extremely difficult. Additionally, I struggled to attain Class One Medical Certification and faced challenges financing my remaining flight training. Should I have lacked motivation, I guarantee I would have given up on my dream.
Motivation isn’t permanent, it doesn’t just appear and remain, it constantly needs feeding. Personally, it was important to realise that motivation can, at times, need boosting. It can fade over time. What was my solution? Going to my local airport, Leeds & Bradford, and watching the aircraft arrive and depart, watching and hearing a Jet2.com Boeing 757-200 roll down Runway 32 and rotate into the skies above. Granted, that is not for everyone but whatever your nugget of motivation is through the long arduous process of flight training, do remember to feed back into that and it will help get you through your exams and tougher moments in training.
Ultimately the key message to take away from this section is to ensure that you use any means necessary to maintain your motivation to become a commercial pilot. Motivation is one of your only friends in this challenging and expensive route to the flight deck.