How The IPA Can Help You To Find Employment

The Independent Pilots Association is not an employment agency but, as part of the service to our members, we can offer advice and helpful information on finding a position within the airline industry.

We maintain regular contact with the majority of aircraft operators in the U.K. from major airlines to air taxis and many airlines overseas that are known to recruit British pilots. We also receive regular information from our members on the rumours/news within their companies and thus have an extremely up to date pool of knowledge available for our members as and when they require it. We have compiled Fact Files on all the main aircraft operators in this country and some abroad that contain details of pay and benefits, working conditions and, where available, recruiting policies.

We keep our members informed with a regular newsletter that contains a survey of current employment prospects and members are also welcome to ring the office on a regular basis to keep themselves updated with the latest news.

The IPA is contacted by operators who are about to recruit, with requests for details of available pilots. These requests are usually for pilots with a specific type rating or a reasonable level of commercial experience for conversion onto different types. Details of the airlines to which your name has been sent are listed on the database sheet that comes with every newsletter.

Whilst it is more difficult to assist the pilot with limited hours and only light aircraft time, we can and do provide advice as to which airlines they should be targeting and the best way to proceed. Airlines vary greatly in their attitude to pilots seeking employment and we can advise you, for instance, which not to pester! We also help pilots prepare themselves for interviews by providing relevant information and contacts. The IPA has access to simulators for candidates to prepare for simulator assessments.

One of the constant queries that we receive is the advisability as to self-sponsored a type ratings. With our knowledge of the current state of the job market, we are in an excellent position to judge on which type of aircraft there is a shortage of suitably qualified pilots. Many pilots who have consulted us have achieved jobs as a result. However, we have members who did type ratings before they joined us who are still unemployed because they have chosen the wrong rating either for their experience level or for the state of the market. Members are advised to seek current information from the IPA prior to proceeding with a self-sponsored type rating.

Finally we offer a tremendous “networking” service. We have members in most companies in this country and our membership abroad stretches from China and Hong Kong through the Middle East to Europe. Our overseas members have proved very hospitable to IPA members and willingly offer local information when contacted, whilst we have Independent Pilots Association representatives in all the larger companies in this country who are willing to offer an insight into their company.