Pilot
Commercial pilots in the UK fly fixed
wing aircraft and helicopters. Before take-off the pilot must prepare a flight
plan, study the weather, make sure that the craft is airworthy, that the cargo and fuel
are safely loaded, and work out estimated times of arrival. Little time is
spent actually flying the aeroplane manually. The pilot spends most of his time
carefully monitoring sophisticated computer-controlled automatic flying,
navigational and communications systems. He must keep in touch with air traffic
control and be prepared to deal with sudden changes in weather and other
conditions. Pilots work very irregular hours but their actual flying time is
strictly controlled.
Most UK pilots are employed by one of the major carriers of passengers and
goods, and when flying large aircraft they are part of a team of two or three
pilots and possibly a flight engineer. Opportunities for pilots of small
aircraft and helicopters are to be found in flying executive jets, or in the
field of air taxiing (especially in the North Sea), spraying crops, conducting
aerial surveys and also as test pilots or flying instructors.
Flight
Engineer
Flight engineers may be employed on
long-haul, international flights as a link between maintenance engineers on the
ground and the flying crew. They are rarely needed on modern aircraft. They
make preflight inspections and are responsible for the efficient performance of
the aircraft during the flight; they must be able to diagnose and deal with any
systems failures, making possible repairs, reporting any defects to maintenance
and later checking that they have been dealt with; they may also be responsible
for refuelling.
Air Cabin Crew
Stewards and stewardesses look after the safety, comfort and welfare of
passengers; before a flight they check stocks of equipment, welcome passengers
on board and go through safety routines. During the flight they will serve
ready-cooked meals and drinks, sell duty-free goods and on short haul, domestic
routes they may also issue tickets. Flight reports are prepared by senior
stewards or the cabin staff officer who also attends to first-class passengers
and supervises junior staff.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Aircraft maintenance engineers make sure that aircraft are airworthy; they
maintain, service and overhaul the craft, their engines and equipment, working
to very high standards set by the National Air Traffic Services (NATS), and
every part of every job is checked and certified. Engineers usually specialise
in either mechanics or avionics and work on major overhaul or in ‘turn
arounds’, ie the work carried out after each flight. Apart from working with
the airlines, other opportunities are found with firms that specialise in
aircraft maintenance. There are also a few openings for professional engineers
in works management, production, planning, and research and development.
Air Traffic Control
The safe and efficient movement of all aircraft through British air space
and airports is the responsibility of the NATS air traffic control officers and
assistants. With the aid of sophisticated radio, radar and computer systems and
with visual checks on visibility and weather conditions, made from the control
tower, they ensure that aircraft are kept a safe distance apart, that pilots
are well advised as to their position and prevailing conditions, give clearance
to land, directions to loading bays etc.
Air traffic controllers working for employers other than the NATS, such as
local authorities or an aircraft manufacturer, must hold a NATS licence
stipulating the service they are qualified to give, and where they can operate.
Some of the more routine tasks such as
checking flight plans, updating weather
information, logging aircraft movements and keeping runways clear are carried
out by the air traffic control assistants. Prospects for promotion to officer
level are good but air traffic control staff are employed to work at any
location within the country.
Air Traffic Engineer
Air traffic engineers are responsible for the efficient operation of the
wide range of sophisticated telecommunications, electronic systems and
specialist equipment needed in air traffic control centres, airports and other
specialist centres. This involves the installation, calibration and maintenance
of radar, air to ground communication systems, navigational and landing aids,
computer data and processing equipment, visual display units etc. Opportunities
may exist for engineers, to look after day-to-day maintenance, and, at graduate
level, for field management, installation and development work.
