Becoming an Airline Pilot: 10 Reasons to Go For It
Becoming an Airline Pilot: 10 Reasons to Go For It
Choosing a career path is one of life’s pivotal decisions. It shapes the next several decades of your life. Do you envision yourself in a job solely for financial gain or one that brings both prosperity and personal fulfilment? Do you picture yourself at a desk from Monday to Friday or flying to new destinations and meeting diverse people?
Becoming an airline pilot presents a lot of benefits, and here’s why pursuing this career is worth it as per Lakshya Kabra, Aviation consultancy centre director, BAA Training India
Tech-savvy Nature of the Job
Imagine sitting in a cockpit surrounded by various buttons, switches, and screens, controlling a machine through the skies. This profession constantly challenges your skills and expertise, while the cutting-edge technology in aviation keeps every flight exciting.
High and Steadily Growing Salaries
In 2024, the average base salary for a commercial pilot in India is ₹1,711,385 per year, according to Payscale. This figure is not the ceiling; salaries increase with experience and flying international routes, similar to high-paying careers like medical specialists.
An In-Demand Profession
The demand for pilots is soaring. Airbus predicts India will require 2,840 new aircraft, 41,000 pilots, and 47,000 technical staff in the next 20 years. Airlines like Akasa Air and giants such as Air India and IndiGo have ordered 1,120 aircraft, highlighting significant growth in India’s aviation sector and the need for pilots.
Perks Accompanying the Salary
Besides competitive salaries, pilots enjoy travel perks, including discounted or free tickets for family and friends and comprehensive health insurance. Many airlines also cover accommodation costs, offer flexible schedules, and provide inflation coverage.
Not a Monday-to-Friday Job
Contrary to popular belief, pilots enjoy significant time off. While balancing work and personal life, the average airline pilot in India has around 15 days off per month, offering more time for family and hobbies.
Financing for Commercial Pilot License
The rising demand for pilots has prompted airlines to finance pilot training, a rare opportunity until recently. Pilot training loans are considered secure investments due to pilots’ higher earning potential, enabling quick repayment.
Diverse Career Paths
Pilots can explore various career avenues within the aviation industry. From becoming flight instructors to transitioning into management roles, the skills acquired in commercial flying open diverse career possibilities.
Lifelong Learning and Skill Development
Pilots continually refine their skills and knowledge, which are crucial for passenger and crew safety. They undergo training for new aircraft types sponsored by airlines, enhancing career progression and technological proficiency.
Networking and Friendships
Through international layovers and collaborations, pilots interact with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, enriching their professional experience and forming strong bonds. It provides invaluable support and enhances career prospects.
Keen Purpose of the Job
Above all, the role of a pilot carries a significant purpose: ensuring safe and smooth travel for passengers worldwide. Being part of someone’s journey to visit loved ones or explore new places adds profound meaning to the job.
Choosing to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot is a personal decision that requires dedication, courage, and passion. Despite the challenges, pilots find immense fulfilment in the unique experiences and responsibilities the job offers. For those who have embraced this profession, the view from their ‘office’ window is not just a scene but a testament to their dedication to aviation and the joy of flight.
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