Have you ever seen a pilot walk through the terminal, wearing his uniform and cap, looking all so crisp and wonder to yourself : I wish I could be one?
Many people see the glitz and glamour of being a pilot. They romanticize the image, the lifestyle, and the paycheck. But not many understand what it truly takes to get there and more importantly, to stay there. In this post, I’ll talk about the reality behind the uniform.
The zero to airline pilot journey
In Singapore, the typical path to becoming an airline pilot usually begins with a cadetship programme. As of May 2025, there are three commercial airlines based in Singapore: Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and Jetstar Asia. Currently, only Singapore Airlines and Scoot offer cadet programmes. Jetstar Asia has yet to reopen theirs after COVID.
Competition for a place as a Cadet in Singapore Airlines or Scoot is fierce. Thousands apply each year, hundreds get through to the online assessment, interview and medical, and only a handful are selected.
Academic & flying skills
Successful cadets begin with ground school, where they study the 14 Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) subjects. These include Aerodynamics, Airframe & Systems, Meteorology, Air Law, and more. The syllabus is intense and time-pressured. Those who struggle to keep up are dropped from the course.
Next comes the flight training phase, usually conducted in Australia. Cadets learn not only general flying skills, but also Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specific to their airline. Every flight is graded, and performance matters. At the end of training, cadets are streamed and type-rated according to company needs. Once again, those who don’t meet standards are dropped and are required to repay the cost of their training.
Once type-rated, cadets begin their journey as a commercial airline pilot. Depending on their assigned fleet, their lifestyle can vary significantly.
Work-Life and Free Time
Short-haul pilots fly more sectors each month, often flying turnaround routes (same-day returns). Long-haul pilots fly fewer flights, but for much longer durations. They see more of the world but are away from home more often.
However, just because a pilot isn’t in the cockpit doesn’t mean they’re off-duty. A lot of “free time” is spent on studying, self-briefing, and staying current with SOPs and procedures. Pilots may also be called in on standby or rest days.
Recurrency and Checks
Training never really stops. Even after line training is complete, pilots must undergo regular checks:
- Line Checks (annually)
- Base Checks (every two years)
- Simulator Checks, as required
Failure in any of these can result in grounding or even termination. The pressure to perform is constant.
External Factors
Yes, the salary can be attractive. But aviation is not immune to external risks.
A pilot’s livelihood hinges on medical fitness. A failed annual medical could mean being grounded indefinitely. Illnesses, even minor ones, are taken seriously in aviation. Mental and physical health are monitored continuously.
For Non Cadets
If you’re not in a cadet programme and wish to pursue your licence privately, the road is tougher.
- Training costs can exceed SGD $200,000.
- No job guarantee at the end of it.
- Airlines rarely hire fresh Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holders with only 200 hours.
- Outside Singapore, most airlines require a frozen ATPL and 1500 hours just to be considered.
This path demands not just money and skill, but also grit, networking, and a fair bit of luck.
Final Thoughts
So the next time you see a pilot walking through the airport in a crisp uniform, don’t just see the prestige—see the journey.
See the sacrifices made, the family time missed, the long hours of study, the pressure of every flight, and the constant checks that never stop. Behind the uniform is someone who’s earned their stripes, through discipline, resilience, and relentless effort.
Being a pilot isn’t just a job. It’s a commitment to safety and excellence And for those who choose it, it’s not about glamour. It’s about passion.
Cleared To Flight Levels 
Leave a comment