Emirates pilot reveals amazing perks of the job

Bondi Beach woman Biljana Savic, 38, always wanted to be an airline pilot.
She started flying before she even got her driving licence, aged 16, after being inspired as a kid when she was allowed to visit a flight deck.
And after working as a commercial pilot in Europe she now flies the world’s biggest passenger plane, the Airbus A380 for Emirates Dubai.
And being a pilot for one of the world’s top airlines comes with many perks.
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“We get a competitive tax-free salary, eligibility for profit share, company-provided spacious villas in gated communities, chauffeur-driven transport to and from work, 42 days annual leave and discounted travel benefits,” she said.
However, she is keen to point out that’s not why she got into the industry.
“One thing people may not realise about being a pilot is that it’s driven by a passion for flying rather than the benefits or gains,” she said.
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“It takes years of dedication and experience to reach higher ranks within the industry.”
Pilots also must undergo rigorous training and assessments in simulators every three months, she said.
However, the intensity of the job is outweighed by the amazing experiences only pilots can have.
“One of the aspects that excites me and tests my skills is landing the aircraft in challenging weather conditions,” she said.
“But the most inspiring moments are when we fly over the tip of the earth in the amazing Arctic polar region. The views are simply stunning.
“The other day I saw a Devil’s Comet, a phenomenon that is only visible every 70 years.”
Meanwhile, she confirmed the answer to a question passengers are often curious about.
Do pilots sleep on a flight – and where?
“We sleep in an area called crew rest compartment, which is fitted with comfy beds, pillows and duvets,” she said.
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“The sleep duration varies on the length of the flight and the number of pilots operating it.”
She also gets at least a couple of days off between flights.
What’s in her pilot’s bag is fairly simple.
An iPad with a universal travel adaptor, cosmetics, and a variety of “seasonal outfits”.
And she cleared up the biggest flying myth about pilots – that your vision needs to be perfect without aids.
“You may wear glasses, contact lenses, or have had refractive surgery to pilot an aircraft – all within limitations of course,” she said.
As for her preferred destinations, apart from Australia she’s always happy to be sent to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.
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“There’s something exciting about flying over the turquoise blue waters that surround the island.”
And pilots do eat the in-flight meals, during dedicated meal breaks, she confirmed.
“My favourite is the coconut bircher muesli topped with fresh fruits for breakfast,” she said.
“For mains, I always look forward to the beef tenderloin with veggies.”
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