A pilot’s job is probably one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. Commands commercial flights, transports passengers to long- or short-haul destinations, and operates an office above the clouds.
The following are our top 10 reasons for becoming a commercial pilot:
1. Travel is one of the greatest pleasures in life.
This career offers many benefits, including the opportunity to travel. A career as a pilot gives you the opportunity to travel and to earn a living while doing so!
Pilots travel many different routes each day, which means they take off in one country only to land in another – potentially in a country that they have never visited before.
You may stay overnight or longer depending on your schedule, providing you with the opportunity to explore new cities and encounter different cultures.
2. Views like this are hard to beat
There are few people in the world who can claim to have an office in the clouds. The view is one that most airline pilots never get tired of. Thunderstorms in distant clouds and a never-ending blue sky are just a few reasons why people enjoy this location.
3. Family and friend travel discounts
As an airline pilot, you have access to discounted (and sometimes free) plane tickets for family and friends, resulting in good deals on fantastic vacations. Friends and family may be asked to pay charges and taxes, but in most cases, this will be the extent of what your loved ones will be charged. In some cases, you may even be able to upgrade to business or first class.
A number of hotels are also offering discounted rates in addition to airfares!
4. Identifying your career goals
The job you are seeking will provide you with a high level of job satisfaction. There is no greater satisfaction than piloting a plane packed with passengers and ensuring that they arrive at their destination safely. You can expect a rewarding career as a pilot; from taking your first solo flight, completing your first landing, flying to a new destination and overcoming challenges, every day in the cockpit is rewarding.
5. It is work that stays at work
Apart from studying for their annual tests, pilots do not take their work home with them. Once you close that cockpit door at the end of the day, there is nothing you can take home.
6. Working in a flexible manner
Pilots have always enjoyed a flexible work schedule. The job is not a typical 9-5, Monday through Friday position.
7. Make a challenge for yourself
The role of a pilot requires constant learning. There are so many flights departing airports every single day, that there is never a typical flight – even if you are a pilot. There is always a new challenge to face, which not only keeps things interesting, but also promotes the development of your piloting skills.
8. Getting to know new people
During your career as a pilot, you will have the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people. From your flight crew to your passengers to the residents of the cities you visit, you will have the opportunity to learn more about people and cultures you may not have encountered otherwise.
9. The salary and benefits offered by the company
There are many opportunities for career and personal growth in aviation. As a pilot, you will earn a competitive salary and have the opportunity to advance your career in the cockpit or extend your career path into aviation management.
Earnings of a pilot
10. Be passionate about what you do
A pilot’s career allows you to do what you love most. Those who love what they do will never have to work a day in their lives.