Career Facts

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Commercial Pilot (Aviation Flight Technology)

What does a commercial pilot do?

Pilots are highly trained professionals who fly airplanes and helicopters to carry out a wide variety of tasks. Although most pilots transport passengers and cargo, others are involved in more unusual tasks, such as dusting crops, testing aircraft, directing fire fighting efforts, tracking criminals, monitoring traffic, and rescuing and evacuating injured persons. Except on small aircraft, two pilots usually make up the cockpit crew. Generally, the most experienced pilot, the captain, is in command and supervises all other crew members. The pilot and copilot split flying and other duties, such as communicating with air traffic controllers and monitoring the instruments. Some large aircraft still have a third pilot in the cockpit—the flight engineer—who assists the other pilots by monitoring and operating many of the instruments and systems, making minor in-flight repairs, and watching for other aircraft.

Before departure, pilots plan their flights carefully. They thoroughly check their aircraft to make sure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly. They also make sure that baggage or cargo has been loaded correctly.  They confer with flight dispatchers and aviation weather forecasters to find out about weather conditions in route and at their destination. Based on this information, they choose a route, altitude, and speed that should provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flight.

Helicopters are used for short trips at relatively low altitude, so pilots must be constantly on the lookout for trees, bridges, power lines and other dangerous obstacles. Regardless of the type of aircraft, all pilots must monitor warning devices designed to help detect sudden shifts in wind conditions that can cause crashes. If visibility is poor, pilots must rely completely on their instruments. Using the altimeter readings, they know how high above ground they are and whether or not they can fly safely over mountains and other obstacles.

Who would enjoy it?

The job of an airplane pilot carries considerable charm, prestige, responsibility, and dedication. Airline pilots can find themselves in different time zones, climates, and cultures from day-to-day, so someone in this field must enjoy variety. Many pilots proclaim that each trip is like a new and different expedition every time...a new and exciting world to discover, conquer and journey through. Pilots literally have the lives of their passengers in their hands, so one must be confident in themselves to do a good job and to remain calm under pressure. One must be in good physical health for this job, for the physical and mental demands are very demanding. Having good vision, hearing, and motor coordination are crucial requirements for this job. Pilots must be focused and determined to complete the required stages of training that will ultimately lead to a satisfying career. In the long run seniority counts in this profession, so young pilots are advised to work hard, enjoy the flight training, and continue to build flying hours.

What do they earn?

Earnings of airline pilots are among the highest in the nation. The average starting salary for airline pilots ranged from about $15,000 at the smaller commuter airlines to $26,000 at the larger, major airlines in 1996. The average earnings for experienced pilots ranged from $28,000 at the commuter airlines to about $77,000 at the largest airlines. Some senior captains on the largest aircraft may earn as much as $200,000 a year. Earnings depend on factors such as the type, size, and maximum speed of the plane, and the number of hours and miles flown. Extra pay may be given for night and international flights. Generally, pilots working outside the airlines earn lower salaries.

In addition, pilots receive an expense allowance, or "per diem", for every hour they are away from home. Per diem can represent up to $500 each month in addition to their salary. Some airlines also provide allowances to pilots for purchasing and cleaning their uniforms. As an additional benefit, pilots and their immediate families usually are entitled to free or reduced fare transportation on their own and other airlines.

Commercial helicopter pilots averaged salaries ranging from $34,000 to $ 60,000 a year in 1996. The average salary for corporate helicopter pilots ranged from about $48,000 to $73,000 a year. Some helicopter pilots may earn over $100,000 a year depending on the amount of flying and company for which they work.

How many jobs are available?

Pilot jobs are expected to increase faster than average through the year 2006, based on the geographical location of the employer. Jobs will continue to be open due to the growth of the industry as well as replacement of retired pilots or those who leave the field.

How much schooling, training, or skill development?

At least two years of college are preferred for those seeking a career in this profession. FAA-certified flying schools provide adequate practical and classroom training and some colleges and universities offer degree credit for pilot training. Prospective pilots must work long and hard at accumulating required flying time. Applicants for the commercial airplane pilot's license must meet the regulatory requirements of the certificate and successfully complete rigorous testing, including a physical examination, a written test given by the FAA and a practical test. After receiving an FAA Commercial Pilot license, pilots must be rated according to the kind of plane they can fly, for example a single-engine, multi-engine or seaplane; as well as for the type, for example Boeing 727 or 757. Airplane captains must also have an airline transport pilot's license, for which a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time including night flying and instrument time are required.

Related occupations:

Air Traffic Controllers and Dispatchers