L3Harris Airline Academy
Thinking about a career change?
Are you considering a career change to become a pilot? We don't entirely blame you. Taking your 9-5 to the skies is highly rewarding. Escaping the mundane and having an office above the clouds is what dreams are made of.
Thinking about a career change? Why you should spread your wings and become a pilot
At L3Harris, we understand that there may be significant barriers between you fulfilling your dream: job security, family dependants and financial commitments being some of them.
But we're committed to helping you control your destiny and seize an opportunity of a lifetime. Here’s all the information to help you take that first step today.
See what our cadets and flight instructors have to say
Signs it’s ready for a career change!
We get it. Feeling as though you're ready to change your career path can be daunting. But here’s six tell-tale signs that show it’s time to take the plunge:
1. Self-esteem and confidence
When you’re in your dream career you’ll look forward to going into work everyday and can expect your confidence and self-esteem to be sky-high.
2. You’re only there for the money
While earning enough money to live on is essential, achieving it through a career that you’re passionate about is even better.
3. Dreaming of a different career
If you find yourself getting lost in daydreams about 'what could've been', start listening to your heart and make a change.
4. Lacking energy and motivation
Feeling drained, tense and as if all your concentration has jumped out the window? Maybe it's time to beat the Sunday night dread and take back control.
5. Forgetting why you started
Feeling disconnected from your initial motivation for accepting the job offer can be a sign you need to shake it up.
6. Envious of your friends & families' jobs
Aah, the green-eyed monster. This is another tell-tale sign that you're longing to be somewhere else, doing something else.
Why you should take the first step to an exciting career as a pilot
Becoming a pilot is full of excitement and possibilities. Every day marks a new challenge, adventure, and opportunity to be the best you can be. Below are just some of the rewarding opportunities you can expect:
1. Career progression
As a pilot, you'll never face an overlooked promotion again. Once you secure more flying hours and experience, you can climb higher and land your dream role of Captain.
2. An attractive salary
It's no secret that airline pilots enjoy a healthy pay-check. At the top end, you could be earning £150,000, making this a positive ROI.
3. The ability to build lifelong friendships
As a cadet, you'll get to study alongside like-minded people and build a network of lifelong friends where you'll watch each other fly high.
4. An office above the clouds
As an airline pilot, you'll also be able to explore new cities, meet new people and be introduced to a range of wonderful cultures. But let's not forget about the breath-taking landscapes. Having an office above the clouds means you'll get to experience the world from an entirely different perspective. It's not just about flying an aircraft; it's about enriching one's life experiences.
5. Perks
There's an abundance of perks you can enjoy as a pilot. You get to travel around the world, enjoy travel discounts for family and friends and will sometimes be called a hero for simply doing your job. What's not to like?
From job security to health benefits, a career in aviation is up there as one the best in the world. Rise above the every day and become an airline pilot!
How to make the change & become a pilot!
If you've found yourself longing for a career change, here are the steps you can take to fulfil your dream and become a pilot:
1. Choose where you want to go next
Ask yourself if you've always had a dream to become a pilot. To go back to your roots, try to remember what fascinated you as a child. Putting yourself in the hot seat can help point you in the right direction.
2. Do you have the skillset?
To become a pilot, you'll need a specific set of skills and qualifications. Find out what they are here.
3. Research pilot training programmes
With so many routes to become a pilot in the UK and Europe, it can be tricky to know where to start. But at L3Harris, we have plenty of pilot training courses that will point you in the right direction. Discover our pilot training courses.
4. Make the change and apply now
Once you've selected a suitable training course, we advise all prospective pilots to take their time to read the application and selection documents carefully.
Don't forget to double-check you meet the entry criteria for submitting your application. Our selection team will then screen your application and, if successful; we will invite you to attend a selection day.
Land your dream job
While this is a big investment, it's also a valuable one. With more than 40-years heritage in pilot training, we're confident that with us, your aviation career will take off.
Looking for earning potential to match your desire for adventure?
We can help. As your career progresses, your potential earnings will too. You’ll start as First Officer; second in command to the Captain.
The starting salary for this role ranges from approximately £24,000 to £28,000.
With more flying hours under your belt, you’ll progress onto the role of Senior First Officer, with an expected salary of £36,000 to £48,000. After this, you’ll then be able to apply for the role of Captain, earning a potential salary of £150,000, making this a positive ROI.
Find out how much you can earn a pilot in the UK
Funding your career change
For many aspiring commercial airline pilots, the greatest barrier to becoming a pilot is securing the funding for pilot training. At L3Harris, we recognise pilot training is both a large and expensive investment.
However, the course cost reflects the industry-leading quality of training and cutting-edge facilities we offer to our cadets.
While we're unable to offer any pilot training financial advice, we do suggest that prospective pilots speak with their partners, families, banks, or independent lenders for guidance.
Pilot training costs and how to fund itReady to start your pilot training journey?
Take your first step towards becoming an airline pilot and come along to one of our upcoming Open Day events!
Contact us
Please complete the form below to contact our team for more information on our Airline Academy.