You could do a university degree which includes pilot studies.

Your university degree will:

• include commercial pilot training with an approved flight training organisation
• lead to a 'frozen' Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) which allows you to work as a co-pilot and build up the necessary flying hours to become a captain

Medical certificates

You'll need to have a minimum of a Class 2 medical certificate before you start a course.

You'll then need to apply for the higher level Class 1 medical certificate during your course to get your Commercial Pilot Licence. You could choose to apply for the Class 1 medical certificate before you start your course.

Fees and funding

As well as standard university fees, you'll need to fund the flight training part of your course. Your university can advise you about this.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

If you have flying experience in the armed forces, you could apply directly to the Civil Aviation Authority's Military Accreditation Scheme to become a commercial pilot.

You could apply to join a pilot training programme with a passenger airline.

Private flying school

You could also train with a private flying school to get your Commercial Pilot Licence. Courses can take at least a year and 6 months of full time study.

You can find details about flight training schools from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

You'll need:

• leadership skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of maths
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• observation and recording skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need to:

• hold a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
• pass the Civil Aviation Authority medical before you can take a course - the medical includes tests on your fitness, hearing and vision
• be 18 to get a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and 21 to get an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)
• pass enhanced background checks

As an airline pilot, you'll work with a co-pilot to:

• fly the plane and communicate with air traffic control
• work out the best route using weather reports and air traffic control data
• create a flight plan and carry out pre-flight checks
• communicate with cabin crew and passengers
• follow procedures during take-off and landing to reduce noise pollution
• write reports, check data during the flight and adjust the route if necessary

You could work on an aircraft.

Your working environment may be cramped, physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear a uniform.