Vincent’s journey from a childhood passion for aviation to becoming a co-pilot for Transavia highlights the challenges and triumphs in pursuing a pilot career. He earned his private pilot license at 17 and navigated the impact of Covid-19 on the aviation industry. After training with Ryanair, he now enjoys the stability and flexibility of his role at Transavia, with aspirations to advance to long-haul flights and a captain position, which could significantly increase his earnings.
From Childhood Dream to Co-Pilot: Vincent’s Journey
For many airline pilots, the aspiration to soar through the skies begins in childhood. Vincent, who frequently flew to visit family abroad, found his passion for aviation early on. He fondly recalls the privilege of exploring the cockpit during those formative years. Now, as a co-pilot for Transavia, a subsidiary of Air France-KLM, he emphasizes that being a co-pilot is not a lesser role but an integral part of the flight team. “On a round trip, the captain handles takeoff, landing, and cruising, while I monitor flight parameters and communicate with air traffic control. We switch roles on the return journey,” he explains.
The Path to Becoming a Pilot
Vincent’s journey began at 17 when he earned his private pilot license. He then enrolled in a highly competitive training program that lasted three years, but the onset of Covid-19 disrupted his plans. With airlines grounding flights and halting recruitments, Vincent remained undeterred. He invested 10,000 euros in flight instructor training, volunteering to log flight hours to enhance his employability. This strategic move ultimately paid off.
The airline pilot job market can be unpredictable, with recruitment cycles that vary widely. “The market is quite fluctuating. There are times when hiring is completely halted, and pilots may wait years for an opportunity. Then, suddenly, there’s a surge in demand,” he notes. Following the pandemic, airlines began to recruit again, with Ryanair leading the charge, where Vincent quickly secured a position.
Upon being hired, he underwent four months of training to obtain a type rating, essential for operating specific aircraft. Unlike traditional airlines, low-cost carriers like Ryanair require pilots to cover their own expenses, which can total around 35,000 euros, including training and uniform costs. “People often think pilots earn a fortune, but they overlook the substantial costs involved in training,” Vincent shares, having anticipated these expenses through a student loan.
Initial salaries for co-pilots start at 1,400 euros net per month, gradually increasing to between 1,600 and 1,800 euros. At Ryanair, career progression is swift; a new pilot can secure a permanent contract after six months, with salaries ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 euros net, and the potential to become a captain within five years, doubling their income.
Working at Ryanair means being based in a European city, emphasizing a shared European identity among pilots. Vincent’s schedule often involves four legs a day, which translates to two round trips, allowing for a return home each evening. This structure can be beneficial for maintaining a family life, although it also means some days can stretch to 13 hours of work, as Ryanair focuses on optimizing operations.
After his stint with the low-cost airline, Vincent transitioned to his dream role at Air France, where all expenses are covered, including training costs. His salary begins at 3,000 euros during training, rising to 4,000 euros post-training, plus bonuses. Living in the suburbs of Paris, he manages to keep his expenses low, especially since he currently has no children.
For the past year, Vincent has been flying medium-haul routes with Transavia, operating two to three legs a day and sometimes enjoying overnight stays at various destinations. “It’s a bit like the glamorous life people imagine for pilots,” he chuckles, although he notes that stays rarely exceed 24 hours. The frequency of layovers varies by season, with more opportunities in summer compared to winter.
Vincent also appreciates the predictability of his schedule, knowing his routes a month in advance. In contrast to his experience at Ryanair, where he faced potential last-minute assignments, he enjoys the flexibility at Transavia, where he can decline unscheduled flights if necessary.
If Vincent continues on his current trajectory, he plans to advance from co-pilot on medium-haul flights to long-haul co-pilot, eventually becoming a captain. At that point, he could earn up to 10,000 euros monthly, as long-haul captains work fewer flights but spend more consecutive days away and manage multiple time zone shifts, which justifies the salary increase. Additionally, numerous career advancement opportunities exist, such as becoming a simulator instructor or taking on ground roles in flight safety analysis.