A CAREER as a pilot has traditionally been seen as a glamorous option and is highly sought after. Aer Lingus usually receives up to 10,000 applications when it advertises for trainee pilots.

The last group of trainee pilots was taken on in 1991. This class of 18 graduated in 1993 and there has been no recruitment since. At present, Aer Lingus employs about 380 pilots and 60 per cent of these joined the company in the past eight years.

Captain Donal Foley, general manager technical operations in Aer Lingus, says that they don't recruit on a points basis. The minimum educational requirements are quite basic (see panel) but a third-level qualification or an interest in the technical, scientific or engineering areas can be a help - though rarely are applicants taken straight from school. There is an intensive selection procedure involving aptitude tests and a series of interviews.

There is a myth around that taking private flying lessons and getting a licence would be a help, but a spokesperson from Aer Lingus personnel department says this would not be a particular advantage. "What we are looking for is a go9d all-rounder. As well as an interest in things technical, good people skills are very, very important. We think that is what distinguishes one airline from another," she adds. Foley says that motivation is a big factor.

Between 1988 and 1991, just under 10 per cent of the applicants were women while just over 10 per cent of the cadets were female which means that women did marginally better in the selection process. However, we'd love a lot more women to apply," says Foley.

He is anxious to convey the message to all interested young people that they should not automatically assume they will not get the job, just because of the huge numbers of applicants. "We would like them all to apply. Yes, we are looking for special people but we will provide them with the training." Pilots are not born but made, says the personnel spokesperson.

The training programme involves 13 months abroad with intensive instruction in technical subjects such as aerodynamics, propulsion, electrics, navigation, radio aids, meteorology and air law as well as a course of instruction in flying single and twin-engined aircraft. On successful completion of flight school, students obtain a commercial pilot's licence. They must then undertake conversion training in Aer Lingus.

On successful completion of training, graduates are appointed to a second officer position. After about a year to 18 months they usually progress to first officer and then on to senior first officer. These are all co-pilot positions. Each plane is flown by a co-pilot and a captain. Promotion is on the basis of seniority.

Pilots are continuously monitored and every six months they undergo refresher training and skill checks.

Asked about the pressure, Foley says that people take great pride in their job and they see the checks as a way of working towards that. "It's a fabulous career. I'll be 50 this summer but when I wake up and know I have to fly to New York, I'm still as excited as when I first did."

For those with a yen to be a pilot, Aer Lingus is not recruiting at the moment. It will advertise nationally for trainee pilots when the need arises. In the mean time, the personnel spokesperson suggests that" there are a number of other interesting careers in the aviation area - there are many more people involved in an airline other than the cabin crew.

The other major Irish airline, Ryanair, employs 91 pilots but only recruits pilots with a commercial licence and 500 hours flying time.