Flight Training Is Expensive, And Early Returns Are Low, Union Leader Says

The British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) is cautioning potential pilots that becoming a pilot is expensive, and most will struggle after landing a job with an airline.

The message came from BALPA General Secretary Jim McAuslan at the Professional Flight Training Exhibition at Heathrow Airport in London last Saturday. According to a report appearing in Pilot Career News, He said that flight training costs in the neighborhood of $125- and $167-thousand dollars (approximate U.S. equivalents), and most cannot afford that kind of investment in their careers without amassing large debts. He said that in many cases, pilots are left with about $800 per month on which to live after paying their monthly student loans.

"You will need resilience, dedication and a willingness to move between continents to find work," McAuslan said. "In the cold light of day, look beyond the apparent glamour and hype and only commit to the profession with your eyes open.”

He said contrary to reports of a pilot shortage, BALPA currently has over 500 qualified pilots who are either unemployed or working second jobs just to make ends meet. He said his intention was not to discourage potential pilots from following their dreams, but to make them aware of the potential obstacles in reaching their goals. 

FMI: www.balpa.org