Flying among the clouds, piloting a Boeing or an Airbus: the airline pilot’s profession is a dream. But on the ground, this position requires taking on major responsibilities and having highly technical skills. How do you become an airline pilot?
What qualities are required? To learn more, we interviewed Maher El-Moussa, captain for a major Canadian airline.
What does your job consist of?
It consists of flying an aircraft and carrying passengers safely. But that’s not all. My work begins long before take-off. In particular, I have to prepare the flight plan with my copilot, taking weather conditions into account, prepare the navigation instruments and enter the data into the on-board computer. During the flight, I am in constant contact with the control towers. In my case, I do both international and regional flights.
Is there training required?
In Canada, there are three ways to become an airline pilot: take training in a flying school, the army or join a flying club. It’s essential to accumulate permits, licenses and flying hours, during years of preparation. In my case, I went to flying school for two and a half years to obtain my pilot’s license. I then took training for multi-engine aircraft, then instrument flight training for about 6 months. This allows pilots to fly without visual reference with the ground or water. Finally, I received several training courses from the airlines that hired me.
In your opinion, what are the main qualities that you must have for this profession?
- Be responsible and always have passenger safety in mind
An airline pilot has the life of human beings in his hands. He must be disciplined and fully understand the safety measures to take to avoid risks. In any situation, he must take the most conservative decision to ensure passenger safety.
- Have leadership skills
A pilot has to make decisions quickly and adjust to weather conditions. If there is a problem (engine failure, a heart attack) he has to ask questions (do we have to land earlier than planned? Stay on the runway longer?) and respond quickly so that the appropriate emergency measures are taken. This requires great self-confidence and good judgement.
- Be a good communicator
The pilot must know how to communicate well with his crew and passengers to maintain a serene environment in the aircraft. For example, if it is delayed, he will explain the situation clearly so passengers are not frustrated.
- Be persistent
To become a pilot, he must be willing to make a lot of sacrifices in his private life. The training requires a great deal of investment and the profession, particularly in the beginning, sometimes requires moving, especially to the Far North where there are more employment opportunities. In my case, I lived in that region for 5 years, far from my family. It was very difficult. Add to that the harsh weather conditions.
- Be a good crew manager
The captain must communicate effectively with flight attendants and pilots. He must be polite and respectful and let them express their opinions. Important decision are made as a group.
What are the main obstacles to be faced in this profession?
Pilot training is itself demanding. You must be motivated to succeed, because it is a long process. In addition, from a financial point of view, you must be ready to invest $80,000 on average. Then, once the license has been obtained, the major Canadian airlines rarely hire young pilots before they have accumulated more than 3000 flying hours. At the beginning of their career, they often have to leave for the Far North or become instructors in order to make up their hours.
What is that you love about your profession?
Aircraft have fascinated me since I was three years old! The aircraft is a marvel of engineering. It is a fabulous invention which, if you think about it, is recent, since it has only existed for 110 years. In addition, I like the contact with passengers. I often talk with them, show them around my cockpit. I love the idea of helping them meet their family, attend a wedding, go on vacation, etc. Even if I don’t speak to them, I love to see their faces light up when they meet their loved ones. It’s very gratifying. When children visit my cockpit, they are fascinated and I wonder if I might have helped create a vocation!
On the other hand, what to you like the least?
Jet lag. Some destinations to Europe mean losing a night, which is hard on the body. Others require taking off very late. It’s very exhausting. Finally, I am travelling between 16 and 20 days each month. It’s hard for a couple or family. Not to mention that my vegetables have time to go mouldy in the fridge!
Is continuous education necessary?
Yes. Every airline company and aircraft requires about two months’ training. If you stay with the same type of aircraft you must, every six months, have two or three days of training in the simulator, followed by an exam with an instructor and an online exam.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an airline pilot?
Never give up and reach the end of your dream! This profession is demanding, but if the passion is there, it’s worth it!