Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
£96,464
Average salary
40 hours
Average weekly hours
6.61%
Unemployment rate
Definition: Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 3512
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.
Common tasks include:
- 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.
Qualifications
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.
*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.
Employment status: Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Regional employment: Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Future employment: Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Top 12 industries: Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Alternative & related job titles: Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Trainer, flight Instructor (flying school) Pilot, airline Officer, second (airlines) Captain, airline Navigator Pilot Officer, deck, flight, aircraft Pilot, test Captain (airlines) Officer, navigating (airlines) Pilot, aeroplane Instructor, flying Officer (airlines) Aviator Pilot (armed forces) Pilot, helicopter Pilot, commercial Officer, engineer (airlines) Engineer, nos (airlines) Officer, first (airlines) Instructor, simulation, flight Engineer, flight Pilot (airlines)
Equality focus: Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.
Breakdown by gender
£86,557
Female average annual salary
£96,986
Male average annual salary
37
Female average weekly hours
40
Male average weekly hours
Average pay per hour: Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Workforce gender: Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Breakdown by region
£120,972
London - highest annual average salary
£75,607
East of England - lowest annual average salary
48
Wales - Highest average weekly hours
29
Scotland - Lowest average weekly hours
Average pay per week (£): Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Average weekly hours by UK region/nation: Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Breakdown by age
20 years
Lowest annual salary (£46,929)
years
Highest annual salary (£0) at this age