I paid £110,000 to become a pilot...here's what I make

Money! It's why most people work, but how much money do airline pilots actually make? With SUCH a huge investment required to get into this industry (over £100,00 in training costs) I think it’s really important that anyone considering this career knows exactly how much return they could see on that investment. In this video, I break down my salary as a UK-based Airbus A320 Captain for a major European airline, including basic pay, sector pay, bonuses, and pension. I also share a bit about my journey and the stark reality of the industry you may not know about. Zero-hour contracts, winter months with no pay, and having to work second jobs just to make ends meet. Finally, I explain why I chose to go 50% part-time, the impact of lifestyle inflation, and how much I take home now while working just 9 days a month. If you are considering a career as a commercial pilot, this breakdown will give you a clear, honest look at the financial realities and lifestyle sacrifices involved. ----- 🗂️ Helpful Resources 📖 Get My Book "Airline Pilot: Life at 38,000 Feet": https://amzn.to/4jdFo6A 🎓 How To Become An Airline Pilot Online Course (Use code YOUTUBE for 20% off): https://pilotbible.com/how-to-become-... ----- ⚠️ Disclaimer: All views and opinions here are MY OWN. They are not representative of my employer. #airlinepilot #pilotlife #becomeapilot #aviation #pilotcareer ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction & Career Overview 02:18 - Starting Out: £110k Debt & Zero-Hour Contracts 04:22 - Earning £60 a Day 06:21 - Second Jobs 07:02 - Forced Relocation & Low Points 08:19 - Upgrading to First Officer 10:05 - Becoming a Captain (The Big Pay Jump) 11:12 - Full Salary Breakdown: Basic, Sector Pay & Loyalty Bonus 13:05 - Instructor Pay & Total Potential Earnings 14:12 - Why I Don't Make as Much as I Could (The Harsh Reality) 15:19 - Why I Decided to Go Part-Time 17:23 - The Trap of Lifestyle Inflation 18:39 - My Current Part-Time (50%) Take-Home Pay 20:47 - Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an Airline Pilot Set Up: 📸 Cameras: Sony ZV-E10: https://amzn.to/4AjvM0g DJI Osmo Action 5: https://amzn.to/4xv3VaL 🎤 Mic: DJI Mic 2L: https://amzn.to/4yPLe2M