Which baccalaureate should you choose to become a professional airline pilot?

Is becoming a pilot your dream, but you don't know how to go about it? Do you perhaps think it's not accessible to you given your educational background?

Know that there are several pathways to becoming an airline pilot. Some will be right for you and others not, depending on your situation and age.

 

Discover our aviation posters here

ENAC (French Civil Aviation University)

To enter ENAC, you absolutely need a baccalaureate, but that's not all... You will have to do a 2-year preparatory course and then pass the entrance exam. However, you must be under 23 on the day of the exam.

 

The Military

To join the military, you will also need a baccalaureate and pass the entrance selection. The age limit for joining the air force is 30. You should also know that there is a minimum 10-year commitment. If you break your contract, your professional pilot's license will not be recognized, and you will have to retake everything.

 

Airline Cadet Programs (e.g., Air France Cadets)

Airline cadet programs will require a baccalaureate for you to register for selections. Depending on your situation (PPL or not), higher education in aeronautical or scientific fields will be required.

You may also be asked to have the theoretical airline pilot license (ATPL theory).

 

Private Schools

To enter a private pilot school, some will require a baccalaureate, regardless of its specialization. But most will accept your application without a baccalaureate, subject to an English and mathematics test (final year high school level) and having a PPL.

Conclusion

The baccalaureate will be useful to open up as many possibilities as possible. If you are in doubt about which baccalaureate to choose, absolutely do not worry if you are not accepted into your desired stream. A science baccalaureate (BAC S) would be preferable, but as mentioned before, it is not mandatory. Additionally, you will need to pass the entrance test(s) for ENAC or Air France cadets, for example.

As long as your motivation and will are there, the baccalaureate is just a non-essential tool to get there.

 

Happy flying everyone!

Aviation on your skin: discover our bracelets