Page 239 - JobsPlus - Occupational Handbook

In some cases it is also possible to be employed with an airline on a ‘frozen ATPL’. With a ‘frozen ATPL’ one cannot be a Captain (Commander) of a flight but a First Officer. From a ‘frozen ATPL’ to an ATPL it requires flight hour building and an exam.
Once employed, airlines may provide and sponsor aircraft specific training to Aircraft Pilots and Related Associate Professionals. In other cases, however, airlines may not provide sponsorships and one would be required to pay these expenses.
When opting for this career, one must consider the cost associated with obtaining the appropriate licences. Full or part sponsorship from airlines may be available from time to time.
Ongoing training is required throughout one’s career and Aircraft Pilots and Related Associate Professionals are required to attend several ground courses and simulator training sessions during the year. While certain airlines sponsor such training, other airlines, especially low cost airlines, require Pilots to pay for such training.
Aircraft Pilots and Related Associate Professionals interested in further training may opt to follow training programmes such as the Higher Diploma in Aviation (MQF Level 5) offered by the University of Malta.
For further details on specific entry requirements, it is advisable to consult the respective airline website.
Qualifications awarded by foreign bodies need to be recognised or pegged with a particular MQF Level by the MQRIC office within NCFHE.
Medical examinations are also conducted as part of this selection process.
Knowledge and skills
Aircraft Pilots and Related Associate Professionals are expected to have:
• Knowledge of Mathematics and Physics
• The ability to understand technical
information about how the aircraft operates
• Spatial awareness and hand-to-eye
coordination
• The ability to evaluate and assess risk
• The ability to give clear instructions to cabin
crew, flight deck crew and passengers
• Leadership skills
Transferable skills should include:
• Written and verbal communication skills in English
• The ability to work with people from different cultures
• Customer care skills
• IT skills
• Organisational and planning skills
• Problem solving and decision making skills
• Time management skills
• The ability to work under pressure
• The ability to work independently and as part
of a team
Additional qualities
These may include:
• A high level of ambition and drive
• A passion for aircrafts
• A sense of discipline
• A smart appearance
• Accuracy
• Attention to detail
• Dependability
• Flexibility
• Focused
Occupational Handbook 2018
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