Welcome to BALPA  
How to become a pilot

Introduction

Many people dream of becoming an airline pilot and it's a
dream that can be fulfilled. There are several routes:

·         Become a pilot in the Armed Services and later change
careers to civil aviation (some further training and testing
will be necessary).

·         Become a trainee commercial pilot either by obtaining full
or partial sponsorship with an airline, or putting yourself
through training (self-sponsorship), through an approved
training school. Self-sponsorship will cost £50,000 or more.

·         Obtain your Private Pilot's License and then undertake
approved commercial training modules as your funds and
time allow.

Once you have your Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL) you can be the pilot of an
aircraft for single pilot operation, although this is not airline flying.

To become a co-pilot in an airliner you have to demonstrate knowledge of
theory at the Airline Transport Pilot's Licence level in combination with the practical CPL flying ability, called a 'frozen' ATPL.

To be captain of an airliner you must actually hold the Airline Transport Pilot's Licence - by passing an exam and flying 1500 flying hours.

How to become a pilot Download - 186Kb PDF
Useful Links/Contacts + Sponsorships Download - 135Kb WinWord
Taking the Plunge Download - 128Kb PDF
Step-by-Step Experience of Pilot Training - book guide Download - 30Kb Word
Flyer Show Report Download - 48Kb PDF
Frequently Asked Questions Download - 186Kb WORD
Royal Navy Gliding Scholarships Download - 30Kb Word
Air Cadets Gliding Scholarhships Download - 30Kb Word
Royal Aero Club Trust Bursary Scheme Download - 30Kb Word
The Caroline Trust Gliding Bursary Download - 30Kb Word