Career path
 

Hi guys this is my first post. I would like to be a commercial pilot when I'm older. I'm currently taking my GCSE's in Maths, English, Sciences, Business, I.T, French & Spanish and I'm predicted 7A's and 3A*'s. At A-Level I plan to take Maths, Physics, French & Spanish. Do you guys think this is a good starting point in order to fulfill my ambition in becoming a pilot.

I know some of you guys maybe thinking who is this kid thinking he can make it straight away and having it easy. I know it is a long process and my parents are fully supportive of me. I also know the industry is currently suffering but hopefully if it improves and I'm willing to go all the way to becoming a Pilot.

Hi there and welcome to the forum!

Well, regarding your question I found the answer on the BA "Future Pilot Programme" website (see link at bottom of post):

If you are interested in aviation and becoming a pilot, some flight schools and/or aero-clubs offer so called "introductory flights" duration is usually about half an hour and you can even be on the controls yourself, that'd be a good opportunity to get a first impression of what it feels like to fly an airplane. And if the airplane is a four-seater (like a Cessna 172, Piper Arrow, or even a Cirrus - very fancy airplane) your parents, or at least one of them could come along on the flight.

If you like it and if it fueled your ambition of become a pilot you could start working on your PPL (Private Pilot License) anytime soon, but the earliest you could take the check-ride would be on the day you turn 17, the consent of your parents provided of course. I believe I pretty much got you hooked-up for a family trip to the next airfield.

Once you got your A-Levels and you still want to become a commercial pilot, I'd recommend to try to get on an airline sponsored cadet programme, that's the best way to get into the cockpit. British Airways is running a so called "future pilot programme" for further details see the following link:

British Airways Future Pilot Programme

Best wishes and success for your future!

Thanks for the reply Transsonnic2000 :). The aim would be trying to get onto an airline sponsored scheme but as we all know, they are very difficult to get into. I have seen the BA FPP and only 100 candidates are selected each year out of God knows how many.

you are welcome! Sure it's difficult to get in, but what is easy in life, certainly not becoming a pilot, but it's definitely worth giving it a try, and who knows maybe you are among the lucky winners!!!

Yeah hopefully :). In the meantime I will try my hardest to get the best grades possible, do a little flying here and there, Do a bit of work and life experience and try to improve my CV in general.