The following information should give you a broad outline of the qualifications needed and the routes available for aspiring commercial flight crew.

If you've made the decision to become a pilot and you are still at school, you should carefully consider which subjects you take, both at GCSE and at A level. Aim to get at least 7 or 8 GCSEs with C grades or above. If you have an aptitude for maths and science/engineering subjects (especially physics) so much the better as these will give you a good background when you come to study for your licences.

Please note: before you embark upon any flying training that you must pass the CAA Class 1 medical. This is a small investment and must be carried out by the CAA.

Since the UK became a member of the JAR (Joint Aviation Requirements) standardised European system, there are three types of pilot's licence: Private Pilot's Licence (PPL); Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot's Licence (ATPL).

PPL - will allow you to fly all single engine piston aircraft.

CPL - needed if you want to earn money from flying. You will need to either add this to your PPL and can study on a part-time basis (known as a modular course) or, you can start your training from scratch, but on a full time basis (an integrated course). A CPL can be obtained with as little as 150 hours flying experience.

ATPL - required for pilots to fly in command of any two crew aeroplane undertaking a public transport flight.

If you are unable to obtain sponsorship, you need to start by getting a PPL. When you are looking for a suitable flying school first look into those in your area. How long have they been established? What reputation do they have? How many instructors do they have? Also ask about the types (and number) of aircraft, the number of students currently being taught as well as the courses that will be covered and the cost of each type of training.

There are in excess of 300 flying schools/clubs in the UK. The CAA regularly updates its list of approved flying schools and colleges, which includes some overseas training organisations. Flying schools in your area can also be found in the Yellow Pages.

Learning to fly and obtaining a commercial licence is expensive but the cost can sometimes be reduced by sponsorships/awards. The competition for such schemes is often very fierce but it is certainly worth trying! This is where school grades can make a difference.

At Virgin Atlantic, we have (so far!) had one venture into the realms of part-sponsorship. We advertised for cadets in 1998, their integrated course started in 1999 and they joined us at the beginning of 2000. Our current commercial commitments indicate that it is unlikely to happen in the near future. However, don't give up as, although we are not running any schemes, other airlines may be! The best place to look for details is in Flight International magazine.

To be eligible, most schemes ask for candidates to be aged between 18 and 26 and for them to have at least 2 A levels and 5 GCSEs. The eligibility criteria may vary between airlines.

If you are at, or are hoping to go to university, check to see if there is a University Air Squadron. This can provide you with up to 30 hours PPL flying a year. Students need to be aged between 17 and 23. Selection is on a competitive basis.

A career as an Airline Pilot

To be employed by any airline as a pilot you'll need to have a minimum qualification of CPL/IR and frozen ATPL. To be employed by Virgin Atlantic as a long haul pilot, candidates need to have at least 2,500 - 3000 hours flying experience.

You will come either from a military aviation background or from other commercial airlines. Those from the latter will need at least 1500 hours commercial jet experience (preferably on a minimum of a BAe 146 or above).

A career in the Forces

Many people make the decision to join the RAF following ground/flight experience training through the Air Training Corps or Combined Cadet Force. Some scholarships, training schemes and cadet placements are offered by the Services. Please contact them for further information.

Still interested?

Check out the following websites for further information:

www.caa.co.uk

www.royalnavy.mod.uk

www.raf.mod.uk

If you would like to contact the pilot recruitment department, please email pilot.recruitment@fly.virgin.com