How to Get a Job After CPL

After completing your CPL training, the most daunting task for any candidate is figuring out how to secure a cockpit seat in a jet airliner. Many CPL holders spend countless hours searching the internet for solutions, worried about the growing influx of freshly trained pilots and the fear of missing opportunities.

It’s crucial to remember that every tough phase has a way forward. Back in 2008, when the aviation industry faced a bleak period with almost no jobs, many of the pilots from that era are now captains, commanding aircraft with confidence. Compared to those times, today’s aviation sector is thriving, with numerous aircraft on order and an ever-expanding infrastructure. This makes getting a job post-CPL not necessarily easier, but certainly a more achievable goal.

Here are some suggestions for fellow aspiring pilots holding a CPL and eagerly waiting to step into the world of commercial aviation:

1. Type Rating

If you’re a CPL holder, focus on completing your type rating as soon as possible. Times have changed, and airlines now often prefer type-rated candidates to meet their immediate hiring requirements. Being type-rated brings you closer to the right seat, significantly enhancing your chances of selection.

2. Choosing the Right Aircraft for Type Rating

Study market trends and forecasts to decide which aircraft to train on. Currently, the Airbus market dominates Indian skies, but Boeing 737 has also seen considerable openings in recent years.

Don’t overlook ATR type ratings. While not as popular, ATR-trained pilots face less competition. Additionally, airlines often relax maximum age limits when hiring ATR pilots due to the limited pool of type-rated candidates.

3. Preparation for Written Exams

Preparing for airline written exams is critical, and waiting until vacancies are announced is risky. Airlines often hold exams within 15-20 days of announcing openings, leaving little time for preparation.

• Study Pattern: Focus on understanding core concepts during your downtime. As exams approach, shift focus to solving question banks and practicing mock tests.
• Avoid Resource Overload: Stick to one reliable book for theoretical preparation and use multiple question banks for practice. Piling up study material often leads to confusion and inefficiency.

4. Focus on CPL Theory Alongside Aircraft-Specific Knowledge

A growing trend in airline exams is the inclusion of basic CPL theory questions along with aircraft-specific ones. Most candidates prepare heavily for type-specific content, neglecting CPL subjects, which can be a decisive factor in the final results. Balance your preparation to cover both areas effectively.

5. Explore Alternative Opportunities

While waiting for airline openings, consider building your flying hours and gaining experience:

• Flying Instructor: This is a viable path to kickstart your career. Once you accumulate 1,000+ hours, you can apply to airlines as an experienced pilot, significantly improving your chances.
• Ground Instruction: Teaching CPL ground subjects keeps your knowledge fresh while offering financial stability.

6. Harness the Power of Networking

The aviation community thrives on networking. Start building your network early through social media platforms, alumni groups, and aviation forums. Good connections can help you discover opportunities in general aviation or corporate flying, which can serve as stepping stones to larger airlines.

7. Uphold High Personal and Professional Standards

As a pilot or aspiring one, maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity is non-negotiable. The aviation community is closely knit, and any misconduct can damage your reputation, potentially affecting your career.

8. Ensure License and Medical Validity

One of the most common mistakes CPL holders make is letting their licenses or medicals expire. Always ensure all your licenses and certifications remain valid while waiting for airline openings. Missing an opportunity due to expired documents can set you back years in this competitive field.

Final Thoughts

The civil aviation industry in India is expanding rapidly, offering more opportunities than ever. While the path to the cockpit may seem challenging, staying prepared, choosing the right type rating, networking effectively, and maintaining your certifications can help you achieve your goal. Be persistent, stay focused, and seize opportunities as they come.