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Career Details : Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

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Description

Pilot and navigate the flight of multi-engine aircraft in regularly scheduled service for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport rating and certification in specific aircraft type used.

Experience

A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Tasks

  • Conducts preflight checks and reads gauges to verify that fluids and pressure are at prescribed levels.
  • Obtains and reviews data, such as load weight, fuel supply, weather conditions, and flight schedule.
  • Plans and formulates flight activities and test schedules and prepares flight evaluation reports.
  • Holds commercial pilot's license issued by Federal Aviation Administration.
  • Orders changes in fuel supply, load, route, or schedule to ensure safety of flight.
  • Gives training and instruction in aircraft operations for students and other pilots.
  • Operates radio equipment and contacts control tower for takeoff, clearance, arrival instructions, and other information.
  • Conducts in-flight tests and evaluations, at specified altitudes, in all types of weather to determine receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.
  • Starts engines, operates controls, and pilots airplane to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plan and regulations and procedures.
  • Coordinates flight activities with ground-crew and air-traffic control, and informs crewmembers of flight and test procedures.
  • Logs information, such as flight time, altitude flown, and fuel consumption.
  • Plots flight pattern and files flight plan with appropriate officials.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Consequence of Error
    • Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Degree of Automation
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    Related Majors

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    Aeronautical Science/Professional Pilotadd Aeronautical Science/Professional Pilot to MyFSA
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