What does this career involve?
UAM pilots will fly small electric aircraft that take off and land vertically, carrying a handful of passengers on flights of a few dozen miles. Computers handle much of the balancing and stability, but the pilot is responsible for every decision, from weather to battery reserves. Early services will run from purpose-built landing sites called vertiports, in airspace shared with drones, helicopters and conventional aircraft.
Why is this a future career?
In development, not yet in service (autumn 2026). Several eVTOL designs are in flight testing, including in the UK, but none is yet carrying paying passengers here. The Civil Aviation Authority’s target is to have the rules and systems in place for the first commercial passenger flights by the end of 2028. The first pilots will hold an ordinary commercial pilot’s licence with an extra rating for the new aircraft, so the route in already exists.
Skills for this career
Related Technologies of the 4IR
Autonomous Vehicles
Drones
Artificial Intelligence
5G Technology
Internet of Things (IoT)
Where to start
Maths and physics help, as does any flying experience, from gliding and air cadets upwards. The route in is a commercial pilot’s licence, then a type rating on the new aircraft.