Pilots

Working as a Finnair pilot is intriguing and challenging, and you get to work in an international and varying environment in a dynamic company together with like-minded co-workers. 

Focus on education and training and lead a healthy lifestyle. 

You do not need to be anything extraordinary to become a pilot, as long as you are in good health, willing to learn and motivated. More detailed entry requirements are: 

• Commercial pilot licence 
• Degree from an upper secondary school or completed vocational upper secondary qualification of at least three years (180 ECTS credits, 120 in the former credit system) 
• The minimum height requirement is 163cm 
• Good language skills in Finnish and English 
• Fulfilling the medical criteria defined by Finnair 
• Passing a brief security clearance by the police

If you are healthy and in good shape, you most likely meet the medical requirements of a Finnair pilot. 

The medical requirements are based on the European aviation authority’s definitions regarding the health of a professional pilot, with some additional Finnair-specific restrictions. 

A good rule of thumb is that you should not have any chronic illness that requires regular medication. Flawless colour vision is a must but wearing glasses is not a limitation. 

Each applicant’s medical fitness is assessed individually, and all pilots must have their medical fitness approval renewed yearly throughout their entire career. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise routine, adequate rest and a healthy diet is recommended for everyone wishing to become a pilot. 

Visit Traficom website to see the general requirements for aviation professionals in Finland. Airlines may also have additional requirements.

Yes, you can become a pilot as long as your eyesight is adequate with or without correction.

Vision is one of the most important tools for a pilot. Therefore, significant deficiencies in eyesight cannot be allowed.

Visit Traficom website to see the general eyesight requirements for pilots in Finland. Airlines may also have additional requirements.

There is no age limit for becoming a pilot for Finnair. Anyone meeting the acceptance criteria can apply for the job.

We have approximately 850 pilots.

You can get into a pilot training with a good grade from intermediate math studies.

Finnish citizenship is not a requirement, but Finnish language skills are.

A criminal record is not allowed for Finnair pilots. A few minor speeding tickets may still be tolerated. Applicants who have entries in the security clearance will be handled case by case. During the application phase, it is recommended to disclose any convictions, violations and fines openly.

All Finnair pilots regularly go through a security clearance. Following the rules is an essential part of aviation; therefore, those who ignore the rules of society are not considered suitable for working in the aviation industry. 

The requirement comes from the fact that the pilot needs to be able to reach all the buttons and controls in the aircraft cockpit. In some instances, the aircraft is controlled with foot pedals, for which a person under 163cm cannot get enough pedal power. Therefore, the height requirement is a flight safety issue.

Yes, as long as the tattoos and piercings are covered when wearing the uniform.

The retirement age for Finnair pilots is currently 55–65 years.

The starting salary for each pilot is determined based on the collective agreement in force at the time. Currently, it is around 4,500 euros per month, including flight allowance.