I recently attended Pilot Careers Live at Sofitel Hotel, Heathrow Airport. This event is a MUST GO if you’re interested in the aviation industry – I usually attend every year and bump into past friends or some incredible people I haven’t met before. I also attended it in November 2024 – all information is up-to-date.

What is Pilot Careers Live?

Pilot Careers Live is one of the leading aviation career events in the UK. It brings together flight schools, airlines, and aviation industry professionals in one room. At PCL you can learn about the different training schools, entry requirements and pathways – speak to the teams there!

Several airlines attend the event to meet potential pilots. It’s a rare opportunity to speak with recruiters, gain insights into what airlines are looking for in future pilots, and even explore opportunities for direct entry programs or cadet schemes. It’s a chance to network with key decision-makers and gain insider knowledge on what it takes to get hired by a major airline.

Throughout the day, there are numerous seminars and workshops held by industry experts. Topics cover everything from how to choose the right flight school, understanding the costs of flight training, and navigating the path to becoming an airline pilot.

One of the highlights of attending Pilot Careers Live is the chance to meet and network with like-minded individuals. Being able to talk to pilots and professionals who are already working in the field is invaluable.

• Such as on previous occasions I learnt from talking to TUI colleagues – TUI did not lay off a single pilot during COVID. Or that BA have a procedure called monitored approach – unique to BA – to involve both pilots when landing. Or that BA receive loading sheets whilst departing – whereas other airlines receive it before they leave the gate.

TUI Presentation

Ryanair Presentation

Speaking to TUI, British Airways and Loganair

Key Takeaways

Here are some key things I took away from attending Pilot Careers Live at Heathrow:

• The aviation industry is evolving, and there are more pathways to becoming a pilot than ever before. While the traditional route is still very popular, there are now more opportunities for aspiring pilots, including airline-sponsored cadet programs.
• Networking is everything. The connections you make at events like this could be the key to your future in aviation. Whether it’s making a connection with a flight school or simply gaining insight from someone who’s been in the industry for years, every conversation matters.
• The aviation community is supportive. Everyone I spoke with at the event was genuinely passionate about helping others achieve their dreams of becoming a pilot. This sense of camaraderie and support is something that will serve you well throughout your aviation career.