About 64 percent worked as airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers. The remainder worked as commercial pilots.
In 2014, most airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers—about 87 percent—worked for scheduled air transportation providers, mainly the airlines.
The industries that employed the most commercial pilots in 2014 were as follows:
Nonscheduled air transportation
32%
Technical and trade schools; private
11
Support activities for air transportation
7
Ambulance services
7
Pilots must learn to cope with several work-related hazards. For example, airline pilots assigned to long-distance routes may experience fatigue and jetlag. Weather and the condition of the aircraft also can pose unique hazards. In addition, flights can be long and flight decks are often sealed, so pilots must be able to work in small teams for long periods in close proximity to one another.
Commercial pilots face other types of job hazards. Many commercial pilot specialties, especially those which require a lot of low-altitude flying, can be dangerous. Aerial applicators, also known as crop dusters, may be exposed to toxic chemicals, typically use unimproved landing strips, and are at a higher risk of collision with power lines and birds than many other pilots are. Helicopter pilots involved in rescue operations regularly fly at low levels during bad weather or at night. These pilots also often land in areas surrounded by power lines and other obstacles, such as highways. In addition, pilots can be exposed to engine noise, but there is little risk of hearing impairment if proper hearing protection devices are used.
Although flying may not involve unusually high levels of physical effort, the high level of concentration required to fly an aircraft and the mental stress of being responsible for the safety of passengers can be fatiguing. Pilots must be alert and quick to react if something goes wrong, particularly during takeoff and landing. As a result, federal law requires pilots to retire at age 65.
Pilots work all over the country, but most are based near large airports.
Work Schedules
Federal regulations set maximum work hours and minimum requirements for rest between flights for most pilots. Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties. Pilots have variable work schedules that may include some days of intense work followed by some days off. Flight assignments are based on seniority. In general, that practice means that pilots who have worked at a company for a long time get preferred routes and schedules.
Airline pilots spend a considerable amount of time away from home because flight assignments often involve overnight layovers—sometimes up to several nights a week. When pilots are away from home, the airlines typically provide hotel accommodations, transportation to the airport, and an allowance for meals and other expenses.
Commercial pilots also have irregular schedules. They typically fly between 30 hours and 90 hours each month. Commercial pilots may have less free time than airline pilots because they frequently have more nonflight responsibilities than airline pilots have. Although most commercial pilots remain near their home overnight, they may still work nonstandard hours.