Job Description: Pilot
doctorjob explains the what being a pilot is like and how you can qualify as one.
What will I do?
Fly, of course! Depending on the licence you hold, you can fly any aircraft, from light planes and helicopters to airliners.
You will be responsible for everything related to the flight – before, during and after take-off.
It is your job to:
- Prepare and submit flight plans
- Observe weather reports and forecasts
- Check fuel requirements and the aircraft maintenance status
- Check for flight delays and airport facilities (ie runway lengths, airport traffic etc)
- Test flight controls, instruments and engines.
- Scan flight instruments and engine monitoring systems
- Monitor the surrounding airspace for other aircrafts
- Monitor the terrain for potential emergency landing areas
- Navigate the aircraft
- Communicate with approach control and the common traffic advisory
- Ensure passengers are correctly informed of emergency procedures
Is it for me?
If you are considering a career as a pilot, ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I afraid of heights?
- Do I have good eyesight?
- Am I physically fit?
- Can I be calm under stress and in emergency situations?
- Can I multi-task?
- Do I have leadership qualities?
- Am I a good decisionmaker?
- Am I willing to work on shifts and continuously for a few days in a week?
Your flight plan
To become a qualified pilot in Malaysia, you will first need to obtain a pilot’s licence from the Department of Civil Aviation.
There are three types of pilot licences:
- Private pilot licence (PPL)
- Commercial pilot licence (CPL)
- Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
Private pilots can fly throughout Malaysia and carry passengers but they may not charge for their services. Commercial pilots are working pilots while airline transport pilots are well-paid, experienced flyers who captain large aircraft. Usually, the licences are taken in succession from PPL, CPL to ATPL.
| To become a private pilot |
Be at least 17 years old, pass the Class 2 medical examination and demonstrate a good personal record and respect for the law. Enrol in a flying school and apply for a student pilot licence (SPL) with the DCA. Complete a minimum of 45 hours of flying training Pass the PPL examinations and practical flight test. Apply and obtain the PPL from the DCA. |
| To become a commercial pilot |
| Be at least 18 years old, obtain a minimum of six passes in SPM (including English, mathematics and a science subject) and pass the Class 1 medical examination. Complete a minimum of 200 hours of training at an approved flying training organisation (165 hours on a single engine aeroplane and 35 hours on twin engine aeroplane.) Take the CPL examinations. Apply and obtain the CPL from the DCA. |
| To become an airline transport pilot |
| Be at least 21 years old, hold a current instrument rating, and have at least 1,500 hours of non stimulated flight time Pass seven written examinations and a practical flight test Apply and obtain the ATPL from the DCA |
Generally, PPL training will cost you from RM 24,000 to RM 30,000 while CPL with IR (Frozen ATPL) will cost between RM150,000 to RM 200,000.
Alternatively, you can join commercial airlines (eg MAS or AirAsia) as a cadet. You could also train as a pilot in the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Who will employ me?
Besides being a commercial airline pilot or military pilot, you can work in other industries such as medical rescue services (aero-medical pilot), crop dusting (agricultural pilot), or become a flying instructor.
How much will I earn?
For fresh graduates, the starting salary range is about RM4,000– M5,000. This will increase as you gain more experience. Captains earn a basic salary of up to RM10,000–RM20,000 monthly, not inclusive of allowances, which can add up to RM7,000.
Specialisations
You can specialise in various aircraft (eg helicopters, light and commercial multi-endined aircraft as well as equipment design guidance, risk mitigation, emergency decision-making and carrier aviation.
For more information, see the Department of Civil Aviation website.
This article first appeared in doctorjob's CoursesNOW! Hospitality & Tourism 2009.
