If you mention to most people that you are training to be a pilot, or you have just begun your pilot training, they will, more often than not, tell you what they think of the pilot job. But this is not an accurate portrayal of the life of a commercial pilot! As an aspiring pilot (or currently training), you need to be aware of the pilot job myths and understand the realities behind the misconceptions.
This article addresses 7 common myths about a pilot career, so you are better prepared for your training and job when you get your pilot license.
Table of Contents
Myth 1: Becoming a pilot makes you instantly wealthy
Reality check: The reality is that being a pilot is not as easy as it looks. If you are training to be one, or have spent some time in the industry, you are familiar with this myth.
Do pilots make a lot of money? Are pilots rich? Many pilots, especially those with major international carriers, can earn strong salaries as they gain seniority and have opportunities to transfer to larger aircraft. However, salaries are only a portion of overall compensation, and not all pilot salaries are the same.
For the many regional carriers, low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers who often contract the lowest-paid pilots, the starting salary for a newly qualified commercial pilot can be less than the latest average starting salary for a new bachelor’s degree graduate. This, not to mention, comes from an investment of tens of thousands of euros associated with the certification and training costs needed to become a pilot in the first place. Furthermore, a substantial portion of a professional pilot’s total reported compensation can be in the form of per diem, which is an untaxed stipend meant to pay for living expenses while on the layover.
For many first-year pilots, as much as 40%-50% of a pilot’s annual compensation can come in the form of per diem. And, as per diem is taxable, that results in the likelihood of a somewhat lighter tax bill come filing season.
Myth 2: Pilots have excellent working conditions
Reality check: A pilot job offers unique benefits, but the working environment is often physically and mentally demanding, with several health-related challenges. Pilots are exposed to cosmic radiation, especially during long-haul flights at high altitudes. According to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), pilots face radiation levels like those of nuclear power plant workers. Prolonged exposure can increase the risk of certain health issues, including cancer.
Frequent time zone changes also disrupt their sleep patterns, leading to chronic fatigue and sleep deprivation, especially on transatlantic or red-eye flights.
And what about a healthy lifestyle? It is tough! Airport food is often limited, and layovers do not always provide nutritious options. Therefore, pilots often carry their own meals and face challenges getting quality sleep in noisy, budget-friendly hotels.
Read more about the pilot’s daily routine in the article here.
Myth 3: Pilots travel the world
Reality check: While the idea of globe-trotting sounds exciting, the reality of being a pilot is often far from glamorous. Most pilots are assigned to specific regions and routes, which means they may spend a significant portion of their careers flying the same destinations. This is especially true for pilots who work for regional carriers or on domestic routes, where the flight paths are more limited. Pilots often operate on repetitive schedules, flying short-haul or regional flights that do not involve international travel or exotic destinations.
Even for pilots on long-haul flights, the opportunity to explore new locations is minimal. Layovers, which may seem like opportunities for sightseeing, are usually brief and focused on rest and recovery. By the time pilots arrive at their hotel, check-in, clear customs, and decompress after a flight, there is little time left to explore the area. Their accommodations are often basic, often at budget hotels close to the airport, designed primarily for convenience rather than comfort or luxury.
Myth 4: Autopilot handles everything
Reality check: Some cadets may believe that pilots can put an aircraft on autopilot system and then let the computers do all the work for the rest of the flight.
What does the autopilot do? Autopilot systems are complex and can manage all parts of the flight, such as climb, descent, holding patterns, and following the flight path using instruments. The autopilot system helps pilots fly the aircraft and is also not used solely by the computer control systems. Instead, the pilots themselves give directions to the autopilot system based on their observations of the surrounding environment, management of the flight path, and traffic interventions. Therefore, the autopilot system can be said to be semi-autonomous.
The use of autopilot systems by the flight crew is determined according to the relevant regulations within each respective country. These systems are mostly used when human-performed tasks are limited, such as long-haul flights. They increase the safety level by reducing the risk of a controlled flight into terrain and creating a more stable, predictable flight course.
Myth 5: Completing a single training program is enough
Reality check: Many people believe that completing a single training program is all it takes to become a commercial airline pilot. However, the reality is that it requires several stages of expensive flight training, multiple licenses, and years of experience to reach the level of a Captain.
Completing a basic flight program is just the beginning. Aspiring pilots start with a private pilot’s license (PPL) and progressively work their way up to more advanced qualifications. Each new aircraft model requires specialized training. Type ratings may cost between $20,000 and $40,000, depending on the aircraft. For example, transitioning from a regional jet to a wide-body aircraft like a Boeing 777 involves weeks or even months of intensive simulator training.
Myth 6: Learning ends once you get your license
Reality check: Pilots are lifelong learners, constantly updating their knowledge and skills to meet industry standards.
Every six to twelve months, pilots must undergo simulator assessments and pass various proficiency tests. These evaluations ensure that they can handle emergency situations. Failing these tests can result in temporary grounding until the pilot retrains and passes. Moreover, pilots must undergo regular medical examinations to ensure they are fit to fly. This includes physical health checks, vision and hearing tests, and sometimes psychological evaluations.
Myth 7: Pilots struggle to balance family life
Reality check: Do pilots have time for family? Yes, they do! Even though some people may think that pilots find it difficult to balance family life due to frequent travel, this is far from reality. While pilots do spend time away from home, their work schedules often provide extended periods off, offering quality family time.
Unlike a traditional nine-to-five job, pilots usually work in blocks of days followed by several consecutive days off. For example, a pilot might work for five days and then have four or five days off. This schedule allows pilots to have time for family interactions.
However, it is worth mentioning that working during holidays is common since these are peak travel times. Despite that, airlines often compensate by giving pilots time off before or after the holiday season.
So, is a pilot a good career? Although this path is challenging and demanding at some point, the pilot career is still filled with rewards. Understanding the myths helps aspiring pilots set realistic expectations and stay motivated throughout their training. With dedication and a clear understanding of the profession’s realities, pursuing an airline cadetship will lead you to a fulfilling career.