A clearer way into aviation

Explore a career route

Compare work interests and source-scoped educational review drafts.

Find your aviation pathway

Choose a direction by understanding the work before choosing a course. An appealing job title is only a starting point.

Your First Steps into Aviation

A career exploration workbook and personal learning planner with role comparisons, provider questions and a 30, 60 and 90 day plan.

Download the career workbook (draft PDF · 14 pages · 314 KiB)

Draft owner-review edition · 26 October 2026. Print the PDF to complete its worksheets. Introductory education only: it does not award a qualification, licence or accreditation. This draft has not been validated for commercial sale or learner effectiveness.

An enclosed Redbird flight simulator with its entrance open. — Simulation supports practice in a controlled environment. Training credit depends on the device and applicable rules.Photo: Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Scalable Grid Engine · CC0 · Source · Resized, uncropped.

1. Explore your interests

Compare technical problem-solving, coordination, communication, service and commercial analysis. Use the six sector guides to find real activities that interest you.

2. Separate education from authorization

A degree, course certificate, professional licence, rating and employer authorization can represent different things. Do not assume that completing one automatically grants the others. Verify the rules and privileges with the relevant national authority and employer.

3. Compare evidence, not promises

Review entry requirements, assessment methods, practical experience, total costs and the exact recognition claimed by a provider. Ask for written evidence where a claim affects your decision.

4. Build a small research portfolio

Keep two or three role descriptions, an authority reference, a training comparison and a list of unanswered questions. Revisit it as your understanding develops.

Use the training research checklist · Understand the role of Annex 1

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