Aircraft Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers

Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers navigate and pilot aircraft, prepare flight plans, authorise flight departures and arrivals, maintain radio, radar and/or visual contact with aircraft to ensure the safe movement of air traffic, check, regulate, adjust and test engines and other equipment prior to take-off and give flying lessons.

About this Career

Average Salary

£54,613

New workers start at around £31,218. Normal pay is £54,613 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to £110,258

Annual Openings

34

Job counts include both employed and self-employed persons in London, and do not distinguish between full and part-time jobs

Daily Tasks

  • Accompanies pupil on training flights and demonstrates flying techniques.
  • Handles emergencies, unscheduled traffic and other unanticipated incidents.
  • Plans flight route, calculate fuel consumption and optimum flying height and obtains information on weather and other conditions, such as cargo distribution.
  • Gives landing Instructions to pilot and monitors descent.
  • Directs the movement of aircraft and maintains radio and/or radar or visual contact en-route to its destination, in and out of controlled airspace or into holding areas ready for landing.
  • Maintains radio contact and discusses weather conditions with air traffic controllers.
  • 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.
  • Directs or undertakes the operation of controls to fly airplanes and helicopters, complying with air traffic control and aircraft operating procedures.
  • Directs or undertakes checks on engines, instruments, control panels, cargo distribution, fuel supplies, aircraft's stability, response to controls and overall performance.
  • Studies flight plan and makes any necessary adjustments.

Skills Employers are looking for

Skills Importance
Critical Thinking 80%
Active Listening 79%
Reading Comprehension 77%
Monitoring 75%
Active Learning 73%
Speaking 67%
Mathematics 64%
Science 62%
Learning Strategies 59%
Writing 55%

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