Take the test

Pilot

A pilot flies an aeroplane or helicopter and is responsible for the safety of passengers, crew and cargo. Before take-off they study the weather and route, check the aircraft and calculate the fuel, and in flight they watch the instruments and stay in contact with air traffic control. If you dream about flying, are strong in maths and physics and can stay calm, this could be your career.

Pilot

Flying is not just beautiful views from the cockpit. It means strict rules, regular health and knowledge checks, simulator training and night or early-morning flights. Pilots fly for passenger and cargo airlines, and helicopter pilots also work in air ambulance and rescue services. Most start as first officers and become captains with experience.

What the job involves

  • Prepares for each flight by studying the weather, route and load
  • Checks the aircraft with technicians before departure
  • Flies the aircraft during take-off, cruise and landing
  • Talks to air traffic controllers and follows their instructions
  • Trains on simulators and passes regular checks

Skills you need

  • Maths and physics

    Fuel, speed and weight calculations rely on school formulas.

  • Calm under pressure

    In an emergency you must decide quickly and without panic.

  • Attention to detail

    Pilots work through checklists and never skip a step.

  • English

    It is the working language of international aviation and radio.

  • Teamwork

    Crew, controllers and technicians must understand each other instantly.

Who it suits

Personality types

Strong intelligences

  • Spatial
  • Logical-mathematical
  • Bodily-kinesthetic

UNT subjects to take

State grants 2026

Main competition, full-time study. Quotas and separate state orders can have lower scores. Check your chances

Where to study

In Kazakhstan, civil aviation pilots are trained at the Academy of Civil Aviation in Almaty. Its programmes belong to group B167 Flight Operation of Aircraft and Engines, with separate programmes for aeroplane and helicopter pilots. The UNT profile pair is maths and physics, and the bachelor's degree takes 4 years. Training combines theory, simulator sessions and flights in training aircraft.

Before you apply, you must pass a flight medical board (VLEK) at an aviation medical centre and get a medical certificate of fitness for training that includes psychological test results. Without it you cannot be admitted to a pilot programme. Work on your English early and look after your health: good eyesight, hearing and stamina matter a lot in this job.

Outlook

In Kazakhstan, pilots work for passenger and cargo airlines, air ambulance services, general aviation and training centres. Experienced pilots become captains or flight instructors. You keep proving your skills throughout your career: pilots regularly go through medical checks, simulator training and proficiency checks.

Frequently asked questions

Which UNT subjects do I need to become a pilot?

For group B167 Flight Operation of Aircraft and Engines the profile pair is maths and physics. You also take the compulsory subjects, including the history of Kazakhstan. Besides your UNT score, you need a medical certificate of fitness for training from the flight medical board (VLEK).

What medical check do I need to study to be a pilot?

Applicants are examined by a flight medical board at an aviation medical centre. Doctors check your eyesight, hearing, heart and nervous system, and you take lab tests and a psychological assessment. Get a good night's sleep before the exam. Check the exact list of requirements with the academy's admissions office in advance.

Does a pilot need English?

Yes. English is the working language of international aviation: radio on international flights is in English, and aircraft manuals are written in it. To fly abroad, a pilot must prove their English level on the ICAO scale.

Is this career right for you?

Take the MBTI and Gardner tests: the report shows which directions fit you personally.

Take the free test