Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

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Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Careers / Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Summary Description


	Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing, multi-engine aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport Pilot certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, National, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Air Force Pilot

2.	Aircraft Captain

3.	Aircraft Pilot

4.	Airline Captain

5.	Airline Captain (Line Pilot)

6.	Airline Pilot

7.	Airline Pilot (Captain)

8.	Airline Pilot Flight Instructor

9.	Airline Pilot/First Officer

10.	Airline Transport Pilot

11.	Airplane Pilot

12.	Army Helicopter Pilot

13.	Astronaut

14.	Captain

15.	Captain Airline Pilot

16.	Captain/Airline Pilot

17.	Captain/Check Airman

18.	Charter Pilot

19.	Check Airman

20.	Co Pilot

21.	Co-Pilot

22.	Commercial Airline Pilot

23.	Commercial Pilot

24.	Commuter Pilot

25.	Executive Pilot

26.	Facilities Flight Check Pilot

27.	Fighter Pilot

28.	First Officer

29.	First Officer and Flight Instructor

30.	Flight Inspector

31.	International First Officer

32.	Jet Pilot

33.	Military Pilot

34.	Navigator

35.	Navy Fighter Pilot

36.	Pilot

37.	Pilot (Captain)

38.	Pilot Captain

39.	Regional Airline Pilot

40.	Systems Navigator

Job Tasks

	Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings. Pilot aircraft.

	Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor. Pilot aircraft.

	Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures. Pilot aircraft.

	Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment. Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed. Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.

	Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions. Report vehicle or equipment malfunctions. Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards. Respond to transportation emergencies.

	Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers. Pilot aircraft.

	Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met. Monitor work environment to ensure safety or adherence to specifications.

	Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights. Monitor engine operation or functioning.

	Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists. Inspect aircraft or aircraft components.

	Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance. Arrange maintenance activities. Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.

	Test and evaluate the performance of new aircraft. Test performance of aircraft equipment.

	Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights. Choose optimal transportation routes or speeds.

	Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions. Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights. Coordinate flight control or management activities.

	Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures. Coordinate flight control or management activities.

	Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities. Meet with coworkers to communicate work orders or plans.

	Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights. Resolve issues affecting transportation operations.

	File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic. Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems. Test performance of aircraft equipment.

	Record in log books information such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption. Record operational details of travel.

	Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight. Train transportation or material moving personnel.

	Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports. Plan flight operations. Record operational details of travel.

	Load smaller aircraft, handling passenger luggage and supervising refueling. Load shipments, belongings, or materials. Direct material handling or moving activities.

	Evaluate other pilots or pilot-license applicants for proficiency. Evaluate performance of applicants, trainees, or employees.

	Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems. Provide transportation information to passengers or customers.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Airline and Commercial Pilots
	Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Airline pilots fly for airlines that transport people and cargo on a fixed schedule. Commercial pilots fly aircraft for other purposes, such as charter flights, rescue operations, firefighting, aerial photography, and aerial application, also known as crop dusting.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Airline and Commercial Pilots
	Pilots work primarily in aircraft. They may spend a considerable amount of time away from home because of overnight layovers. Many pilots have variable schedules.

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