If you’re considering a career as a commercial pilot, attending a Pilot Careers Live (PCL) event is an incredibly insightful and valuable first-step in your journey to the flight deck. These events bring together flight schools, airlines, training organisations and industry professionals all under one roof.
We caught up with several current students who have attended PCL’s, both as aspiring pilots and as part of our crew to get their insights into how to get the most out of a PCL!
Initiate Conversations
One of the biggest pieces of advice from Leading Edge Aviation students is to talk to as many people as possible.
Whether you’re speaking with current students, instructors, airline representatives or training providers, every conversation provides a different perspective on the aviation industry. You can learn about various training routes and career pathways directly from the people who have lived them.
One of our students, Jacob, recalled attending Pilot Careers Live as a sixth-form student while exploring both university and flight training options, ultimately giving him the most informed approach possible in weighing up his options.
Another student, Tom, recalled attending an event as an exhibitor with Leading Edge Aviation and highlighted a conversation he had with a student who was training in Italy. It opened his eyes to how different the training methods of other flight schools are, which has massively enhanced his understanding of the career landscape.
The more people you speak to, the more informed your decisions will be.
Attend the Industry Seminars
PCL events feature a diverse range of presentations from airlines, flight schools and aviation experts throughout the day. These sessions can provide invaluable insights into pilot recruitment, training requirements and industry expectations.
Students who have attended as part of our PCL crew highlight how useful it is to hear directly from airlines about:
- Their recruitment processes
- What they look for in pilot candidates
- Career progression opportunities
- Current industry trends
If you’re still researching your options, make time for these sessions, as they can help answer questions you may not have even thought to ask.
Learn About Different Pathways
No two pilot training journeys are exactly the same.
Pilot Careers Live provides a unique opportunity to compare training providers side by side and understand the different routes available into commercial aviation. From integrated courses to modular training pathways, you’ll gain a clearer picture of which option best suits your goals, learning style and circumstances.
Speaking to students currently undergoing training can be particularly beneficial, as they can offer honest, first-hand experiences about what life at a flight school is really like.
Build Your Aviation Network
Events like PCL bring together people from all stages of their careers, from aspiring pilots taking their first steps to experienced professionals already flying for airlines.
By engaging with fellow attendees, students and industry representatives, you’ll begin building relationships within the aviation community. You may even meet future classmates, colleagues or mentors who can support your journey in the years ahead.
As one Leading Edge student put it, many of the people you meet have been through the same challenges and experiences, making Pilot Careers Live a great environment to learn and connect.
If you haven’t set up a LinkedIn profile yet and you’re attending an upcoming PCL, now is the best time!
Experience the Community First-Hand
Choosing a flight school is more than exploring the facilities and course content, one of the most important aspects of a training provider is finding an environment where you can thrive.
One of the benefits of visiting Leading Edge Aviation at Pilot Careers Live is the opportunity to meet the people behind the training. Our students frequently highlight the supportive community atmosphere we cultivate.
Meeting current students and staff face-to-face tell you more about a training provider than a website or brochure ever could.
Come and Meet Leading Edge Aviation!
Whether you’re just beginning to explore aviation careers or are ready to start your training journey, PCL is the perfect place to meet the Leading Edge Aviation team.
You’ll have the chance to speak with current students, instructors and staff, gain a better understanding of the training programmes available and experience first-hand what makes the Leading Edge community unique.
