Eyes wide open

Potential pilots pursue the cadet programs largely because of their obvious benefits. Most of them provide a pathway to a Second or First Officer position and secondly a bond or finance plan to manage the enormous financial commitment they are about to make, one above and beyond the financial reserves of most individuals and families for that matter.

Finance and career path are the most common discussions we have at Pinstripe with the parents of young potential pilots, as parents are often the first to contact us. That’s fine, we are always happy to have those discussions. Lets assume we have taken care of the money and career path issues, by applying for an airline cadetship, this is where it gets really interesting because those are merely logistics, this job requires something much less tangible. This job requires candidates to have self-knowledge, specific attributes and potential unlike any other. It is one where those who are, ‘just giving it a go’ will be weeded out quick smart. This job is more attuned with a lifestyle choice where your ability needs to be matched by your personality and behaviour.

‘Your ability needs to be matched by your personality and behaviour.’

Begging the question, how do you know if an airline career is right for you?

I’ll start by looking at the different segments of candidates and then the attributes that make candidates a good fit for airlines on top of their academic ability. From our encounters, potential pilots seem to fall into three distinct groups:

One – The ‘I’ve Already Started’ Cadet;

Those who are heavily invested and know this is the role for them. They may already have their RPL, have gliding experience or have been Air force Cadets while at school. They talk the talk and can recite the actual day-to-day tasks of an SO or FO. They subscribe to this magazine, attend air shows, work part time and save every cent towards trial flights or work in a SIM Centre to gain as much exposure as they can to the industry.

Two – The ‘I Meet the Requirements So Why Not’ Cadet;

Those who meet the minimum education requirements and whose parents or school counsellors have suggested this career to them. They don’t know much about it, but like the sound of it. They may have an interest in higher education and are looking at a few different career options. If pushed they really cannot elaborate on why this role is right for them or what it involves. That doesn’t mean that they cannot not make great pilots, they have simply not had much exposure to it at this stage.

Three – The ‘Mature Second Career’ Cadet;

Career change candidates have usually wanted to be pilots since they were young. Generally it has been finance that precluded them from getting a start; sometimes they have been given the wrong information and thought it was out of reach. But, they have held on to this goal, this dream and now have the resources and personal circumstances to go for it. Having been side tracked by different career paths they offer valuable transferable skills and have the maturity to commit as well as the evidence to illustrate that they meet the training requirements. Their motivation is out of this world.

Irrespective of the category you fall into, it is important to understand that your motivation and academic ability must be balanced by the addition of appropriate attributes or capabilities.

I’d like to ask you to consider the following points; do you possess or have the potential to develop these areas?

An interest in technology and science?

The ability to manage your emotions effectively?

Appreciation that all aspects of your role effect the customer and without customers business fails?

Do you have a hands-on propensity and good manipulation skills?

Do you have a logical and systematic approach to tasks?

Have you a well developed, fact and evidence based communication style?

Do you display high professional and personal standards?

Would you describe yourself as confident without being arrogant?

Are you interested in understanding the culture of the company and in becoming an ambassador for the airline?

Do you like to work in teams and within a large an organisational structure?

Are you interested in understanding the objectives of the airline?

Are you able to adapt to multi faceted situations quickly?

Do you value others input and experience, seeking to understand their point of view and find common ground?

Is your response to pressure or stress calm and considered?

Do you possess the potential to lead in a style that is supportive, inclusive and mentor based?

The ability to think outside the box and analyse options. Being able to see the big picture and think laterally is important.

Are you someone who seeks to continually learn, grow and improve?

What do you think, is this the right role for you? The guide above may well help to answer that question. If your initial motivation was around having your office at 30,000 feet or loving travel then I you might need to reframe that thinking.

Each of us has natural propensities or parts of our personality and abilities that predict to a certain degree, what type of role will suit us more than another. Heading into an airline flying role with eyes wide open and good solid understanding of what it takes to succeed is a good place to start.