CPL Graduates: How to Find Your First Job as a Pilot?

Taking the first step in anything is not easy; it involves a lot of patience to get started and that too with a bang. The same principle applies when seeking a job after completing the required studies. Finding your first job as a pilot is no different either. For a CPL graduate to start their career as a pilot, it is essential to keep their eyes and ears open for good job opportunities and seize them once they arise. In this blog, we will talk about how to find your first pilot job when you are a CPL graduate.

The term "CPL graduate" refers to someone with a Commercial Pilot's License.  To obtain a Commercial Pilot's License (CPL), an aspirant must be at least 18 years of age and not more than 65. Regarding qualifications, one should have passed Class 12th from a recognized board or University in the Science stream, with Physics and Mathematics as subjects at present. There are deliberations that DGCA may lift the Physics and Mathematics requirement. If this rule comes into effect, then any 12^th pass stream could train to become a commercial pilot.

The minimum flight hour requirement for becoming a Commercial Pilot or attaining a CPL is 250 hours. One should have logged a minimum count of hours before applying for a job as a pilot after being a CPL Graduate.

All these things have to be kept in mind for finding your first job as a pilot after becoming a CPL.

If you are good at networking and also possess a strong network, then it might very well come in handy for you to find a job as a pilot. You should keep in touch with your peers, family and friends, especially those with an aviation background. If your network includes pilots, instructors, or other aviation professionals, then your job search can become significantly easier.

 Networking is not limited to personal contacts; you can also do networking through social media platforms. Online pilot communities, comprising individuals from various airlines, can be found here. And, you never know, someone might end up giving you a lead about an opening as a pilot, and you can land in your first job as a pilot. So, the mantra of Network, Network, Network can prove fruitful for you.

To land in a first job as a pilot, a CPL holder should not shy away from doing thorough research about the airlines that have openings for pilot positions. Check out their respective websites to check all the requirements and also register yourself with a resume, so that the Human Resource Professionals of the airlines can get in touch with you.

If you'd like, consider contacting recruitment agents, as they often have connections within airlines and can increase the chances of securing a first job relatively quickly.

When you have sent your resume via email, it is always a good idea to follow up with a polite phone call to inquire whether the person in charge has received it. This small gesture will help you stick in the mind of the recruitment professional.

A phone call will demonstrate your eagerness to join a particular position and everybody wants keen and enthusiastic individuals on board. So, if the company believes a resume is suitable for the position and the person is also eager to join, then this significantly increases the chances of receiving an interview call.

When applying for a commercial pilot interview, candidates are typically asked to provide several documents, including licenses, Type Certificates, and other relevant documents.

One should ensure that all paperwork is in order when attending an interview. Ensure that you carry physical copies of all required documents and keep the coloured scanned copies ready, so that they can be sent if the company requests them during the recruitment process. It is always beneficial to have all the necessary information about the documents required for a pilot job interview.

 Personalization can weave its magic and can help you secure your first job as a commercial pilot. One should always keep in mind to personalize the resume and cover letter as per the requirements of the job for which they are applying. Your LinkedIn profile should also be updated, as it holds significant importance in the contemporary job search landscape.

Always ensure that the resume is thoroughly proofread to avoid any errors regarding spelling or the accuracy of the information mentioned. There is no excuse for a poorly formatted or misspelt CV when appearing for any job interview, and not just for a pilot job.

A good mentor is an invaluable asset in every aspect of life and finding your first job as a pilot is no exception. A mentor is a person who shares their wisdom and knowledge about the job and also offers advice on how to excel in a job interview.  If you want to become a pilot after 12th, consider finding a mentor who is already a pilot and ask them about their journey to reach their current position. Always ask for their support and guidance to excel in your journey as a pilot.

To secure your first job as a commercial pilot and start earning big with thrill, the first and foremost thing is to learn how to fly an aircraft and fulfil all the requirements per the guidelines laid down by the DGCA. If you also want to become a commercial pilot, then enrolling in a top flying school like Flapone Aviation is a must.

 Here, you will get all the theoretical and practical knowledge about flying an aircraft. Not only will you be trained on simulators, but you will also be prepared to face all the challenging scenarios that might arise when you are in the cockpit.