Aircraft Pilots fly airplanes or helicopters for the airlines, military, or general aviation to transport passengers and cargo or for other purposes. Pilots-in-command of an aircraft are known as captains; those in second-in-command are known as first-officers or co-pilots.  

JOB DUTIES   

Aircraft Pilots may: 

Review ship's papers to check fuel supply, weather, route, weight and balance, engine and radio, and schedule

Order changes in fuel supply, load, route, or schedule for safety 

Contact ground control by radio for instructions 

Start engines and taxi airplane to runway  

Set brakes and accelerate engines to OK operational readiness 

Contact control tower by radio for clearance and instructions  

Control the aircraft in flight (Click  here to see an example of an air plane cock pit.) 

Follow flight plan and regulations and procedures of the federal government, the company, and the airport

Radio the approach control center for descent and landing  

Land the aircraft using instruments if visibility is poor 

Log information about flight time, altitude flown, and fuel used 

Instruct students or pilots, if a certified flight instructor  

Use firearms under a voluntary basis to defend against a terrorist attempt

The equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES     

Aircraft Pilots may specialize in these areas:  

196.263-014 COMMERCIAL AIRPLANE PILOTS fly airplanes to transport passengers and cargo. 

196.263-014 AIRPLANE-PATROL PILOTS fly over pipelines and communications systems to detect leaks, breaks, washouts, or other damage.  

196.263-042 TEST PILOTS fly new, experimental, modified, and production aircraft to determine their safety. 

196.263-010 AGRICULTURAL-AIRCRAFT PILOTS fly at low altitudes over agricultural fields to dust or spray them with seeds, fertilizer, or pesticides.  

196.263-030 CORPORATE PILOTS fly company-owned aircraft for their employers.  

196.263-038 HELICOPTER PILOTS fly helicopters to transport people, cargo, and mail; to fight fires; and to spread seed for reforestation. Some also spray crops with fertilizers or pesticides using specially equipped helicopters.  

196.223-010 FLYING INSTRUCTORS teach flight procedures and techniques to student pilots. They accompany students on training flights; explain the operation of aircraft controls and components; and demonstrate techniques for controlling the aircraft during taxiing, takeoffs, spins, stalls, turns, and landings.  

Other specialties include check Pilots who evaluate licensed Pilots to make sure their skills are adequate and air-taxi or charter pilots who fly fare paying passengers on an "on-demand" basis. In remote areas, charter pilots may be known as bush pilots. 

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:  

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WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS   

The Captain of an airplane is responsible for the plane and supervises all other crew members.  

Aircraft Pilots generally work under confined but comfortable, well ventilated, and well lighted conditions. When flying, the captain usually sits in the cockpit to the left of the co-pilot, surrounded by instruments, levers, and switches. Although flying does not involve much physical effort, Pilots are subjected to mental stress. Flying may be hazardous because of the possibility of mechanical malfunctions, bad weather conditions, or hijackers. However, the chances of these hazards occurring are slight because of improved equipment and security measures at airports.  

Work schedules of Aircraft Pilots are usually irregular. Those who are employed by commercial airlines are prohibited under federal rules from flying more than 100 hours a month or 1,000 hours a year. Most Pilots fly 75-85 hours per month because of additional duties (filing flight plans, working on reports, briefing crews, and attending training classes). Pilots' schedules usually average 16 days a month away from home and provide for consecutive days off. Transcontinental and International airline Pilots spend time away from their home bases on flight layovers.  

Pilots not employed by airlines cannot fly more than 100 hours per month, according to FAA rules. However, their schedules are often irregular and some may fly as few as 30 hours or as many as 90 hours a month. These Pilots are responsible for various ground duties, such as scheduling flights, and therefore may not have as many off-days a month as major airline Pilots.  

Most Pilots are members of the Airline Pilots Association, International and pay periodic dues.  

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities relating to processes, machines, and techniques  

You Should Be Able To:

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Reason and use logical step-by-step procedures

• Understand meanings of words and use language effectively

• Perform arithmetical operations quickly and accurately

• Understand drawings or diagrams of three dimensional objects

• Make decisions based on judgment and measurable data

• Make decisions quickly and accurately under pressure

• See details in objects or drawings

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:  

If your plane is traveling 100 miles per hour and your destination is 650 miles away, how long will it take you to complete the trip?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:  

Linear momentum is known as the quantity of motion which arises from the velocity and the quantity of matter conjointly. 

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:  

You should be able to write a report explaining any malfunctions that might occur during a flight 

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:  

You should be able to decide the best way to land a plane that is suffering from different malfunctions.  

The  Federal Aviation Administration  requires specific qualifications for each pilot license and rating. Pilots who transport passengers or cargo must have a Commercial Pilot's license from the FAA. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18; have 250 hours of flight and classroom experience; have a second class medical certificate; and pass written and practical exams. Licenses are valid as long as the pilot can pass the physical exam and flying skills tests. Usually major airlines require new pilots to have several hundred hours of flight experience. Applicants must pass a drug screening test before they are hired and commercial airline pilots are subject to random drug screening procedures. Flight instructors must have a commercial pilot's certificate, with instructor's rating. Airline pilots are subject to mandatory retirement at age 60.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES   

NOTE: A Certificate (program of up to one years of study beyond High School) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.  

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***   

0700 CAREERS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES , 3300 TECHNOLOGY  

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS*** 

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script 

 ***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***  

017 AVIATION TECHNOLOGY  

Programs in Aviation Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the operation and maintenance of aircraft.  

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:  

223 FLIGHT TRAINING  

Programs in flight training prepare individuals to fly air vehicles. They prepare individuals to take and pass the pilot's license examination administered by the Federal Aviation Administration. Programs include instruction in the principles of aircraft design and performance; aircraft flight systems and controls; flight crew operations and procedures; radio communications and navigation procedures and systems; airways safety and traffic regulations; and government rules and regulations pertaining to piloting.    

Listed below are schools located in throughout the United States that offers Baccalaureate and Master Degree programs in Aviation Technology:.

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program   

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***   

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script. 

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***   

Please check the Military website at  http://www.myfuture.com . 

AIRPLANE PILOTS   

The military operates one of the largest fleets of specialized airplanes in the world. Supersonic fighters and bombers fly combat missions. Large transports carry troops and equipment. Intelligence gathering airplanes take photographers from high altitudes. Military airplane pilots fly the thousands of jet and propeller airplanes operated by the services. 

What They Do   

Airplane pilots in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Check weather reports to learn about flying conditions

• Develop flight plans showing air routes and schedules

• Contact air traffic controllers to obtain take-off and landing instructions

• Fly airplanes by controlling engines, rudders, elevators, and other controls

• Monitor gauges and dials located on cockpit control panels

• Perform combat maneuvers, take photographs, transport equipment, and patrol areas to carry out flight missions

Physical Demands   

Airplane pilots must pass the most demanding physical test of any job in the military. To be accepted for pilot training, applicants must have 20/20 vision and be in top physical condition. They must have very good eye-hand coordination and have extremely quick reaction times to maneuver at high speeds. 

Special Requirements 

A 4-year college degree is normally required to enter this occupation. Although the military has many women pilots, specialties involving duty in combat airplanes are open only to men. Because all Marine Corps planes are combat planes, there are no women pilots in the Marines. 

Work Environment   

Airplane pilots may be stationed at airbases or aboard aircraft carriers anywhere in the world. They fly in all types of weather conditions. Military pilots take off and land on airport runways and aircraft carrier landing decks. 

Training Provided 

Pilot training is a 2-year program covering 1 year each in initial and advanced training. Initial training includes time spent in flight simulators, classroom training, officer training, and basic flight training. Course content typically includes:

• Aircraft aerodynamics

• Jet and propeller engine operation

• Operation of aircraft navigation systems

• Foul weather flying

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations  

This is among the most challenging training given by the services; not everyone who attempts this training can meet the strict requirements for completion. Advanced training begins when pilots successfully complete initial training and are awarded their "wings". Advanced training consists of instruction in flying a particular type of aircraft. 

Helpful Attributes   

Helpful fields of study include physics and aerospace, electrical, or mechanical engineering. Helpful attributes include:

• Strong desire to fly airplanes

• Self-confidence and ability to remain calm in stressful situations

• Determination to complete a very demanding training program

Civilian Counterparts   

Civilian airplane pilots who work for passenger airlines and air cargo businesses are called commercial pilots. Other civilian pilots work as flight instructors at local airports, as crop dusters, or as pilots transporting business executives in company planes. Many commercial pilots began their career in the military.  

Opportunities   

The number of airplane pilots is unknown. The military needs new pilots each year. After initial and advanced training, most pilots are assigned to flying squadrons to fly the types of aircraft for which they were trained. In time, pilots train for different aircraft and missions. Eventually, they may advance to senior management or command positions. 

    E-Learning Courses and Programs  

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY     

Individuals may gain experience through completing pilot training offered by private schools, all branches of the military, and flying clubs. The Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC) offers opportunities for qualified students. Students in middle and high school may participate in Aviation Career Education Camps (Ace)  sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration. Postsecondary programs in aviation technology offer experience also.  

School-to-Work opportunities include: 

informal apprenticeships 

mentorships

job shadowing experiences 

touring a local Aircraft Pilot employer 

internships  

volunteer work with a Aircraft Pilot employer  

community service work with an agency  

In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT   

Earnings of Pilots vary according to size of the employing airline or company; number of hours and miles flown; size and gross weight of the airplane; the length of services as a Pilot; and type of flight, such as international or domestic, main line or local, and day or night.  

According to the Airline Pilots Association, International, Captains earned an average salary ranging from $70,000 to $200,000 per year in late 2008, depending on the size of the aircraft. Co-pilots or First Officers earned a starting salary of $25,000 to $159,000. The 2009 average annual salary ranges, by specialty were:

 Pilots flying large jet aircraft had the highest earnings. 

Aircraft Pilots employed by the federal government started at $40,949 in 2009. Aircraft Pilots employed by the State of Michigan earned from $39,129 to $64,206 annually in mid 2009. 

In 2008, median annual earnings of all airplane pilots were $72,280.  The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008.

In addition to their salaries, Aircraft Pilots receive payment for expenses such as lodging, meals, and transportation incurred during flight layovers. Some may also receive monthly allowances for cleaning uniforms.

Most Airline Pilots receive 2 to 4 weeks paid vacation; dental, disability, and life insurance; pension plans; and accident and hospitalization insurance. They also receive free or low-cost travel for themselves and their families. Some employers may offer stock purchase or savings plans.  

Advancement usually depends on seniority, administrative and leadership ability, and the number of vacancies available. The career ladder for pilots employed by airlines may be: Flight Engineer; Co-Pilot; Pilot or Captain; Chief Pilot. Promotions and assignments of routes are usually regulated by seniority provisions in union contracts. In non-airline jobs, Co-Pilots may become Pilots. In large companies, they may advance to chief pilot and be responsible for aircraft scheduling, maintenance, and flight procedures. Some Pilots may start their own business, such as a flying school or air-taxi service.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK   

There were approximately 107,000 Pilots employed in the U.S. in 2006. Employment of Aircraft Pilots is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. Some openings are expected yearly as pilots retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work. About 1.2% of them are self-employed. The industry distribution for Airline Pilots looked like this:  

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

Due to a shortage of qualified Pilots formerly provided by the armed forces, commercial airlines and corporate flight departments are using innovative training and hiring methods. Some employers are developing Pilots "In House" (almost like an apprenticeship) by hiring candidates with few flight hours and matching them with experienced senior Captains for on-the-job-training, once a formal training program is completed.  

Some corporations are hiring qualified Pilots for a trial period through placement firms before a permanent hire is made.

Competition for positions with large airlines is expected to be intense. Currently, there is heavy demand for qualified female Pilots. College graduates with experience flying large, multi-engine aircraft and who also possess a commercial and instrument certificate will have better opportunities.  

Approximately 4,325 Aircraft Pilots are employed in Michigan. The employment of Aircraft Pilots in Michigan is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. An average of 180 openings is expected yearly, with 50 due to growth and 130 due to replacement of pilots who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as Pilots change jobs or occupations. 

The number of Pilots needed in Michigan is expected to increase as the demand for air travel increases. The frequent use of air travel by businesses, more leisure time, and additional economy class service will continue to provide a need for new Pilots in Michigan. In addition, Detroit Metropolitan Airport is a hub for a major airline, resulting in expanded opportunities for Pilots and other airline personnel in Michigan.  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

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