Pilot Jobs
Though the most widely recognized pilot job is the major airline captain, the majority of professional pilots don't hold this position. Pilots accomplish an array
of jobs ranging from firefighting, to border patrol, to operating the Goodyear blimp. All professional pilots operating in the United States must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. Before obtaining this license, they must also have a Private Pilot Certificate. Most career pilots hold many more certifications than these two, but these are the legal minimum. Pilots are also required to have a regular flight physical, which is performed by an aviation medical examiner, or AME. AME's are medical doctors that specialize in aviation physiology. Below we will focus on some of the most common categories of pilot jobs.
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Airline Pilot
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Airline pilots hold the following certifications: private pilot, commercial pilot, instrument rating, multi-engine rating, and usually an aircraft specific "type rating," which is a certification to operate a specific airplane. Airline pilots are either first officers (the second in command), or captains. Both are fully certified pilots capable and qualified to operate that airplane. Some airline pilots fly for major airlines, and many others fly for regional airlines, or commuters, which generally use a code sharing agreement to fly under the name brand of the major. These regional airlines connect smaller cities and fly shorter routes than the majors.
Corporate Pilot
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Corporate pilots hold the same certifications as airline pilots and are subjected to many of the same regulations and safety standards, but they generally fly for smaller companies or private individuals. Some corporations own a fleet of aircraft and sell shares of these aircraft to clients. Their pilots may fly all of the airplanes in the fleet for various customers, or they may be assigned to one specific airplane only. Corporate pilots generally fly to a greater number of destinations than airline pilots who generally fly the same routes consistently.
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Medical Response Pilot
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Though some medical evacuation teams use fixed wing airplanes, most of them use the more maneuverable helicopter, which can easily transport passengers directly to a medical facility instead of to an airport. Medical response pilots are generally on call during a set duty time and are required to respond quickly should they be called out for a mission. During this time they may be required to be at their airport or close by, and must abstain from alcohol during this time so they are ready to fly at a moment's notice.
Flight Instructor
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Certified flight instructors (CFIs) are responsible for the training of new student pilots and certified pilots who wish to obtain a more advanced license. They are able to give flight students instruction in the airplane and on the ground to cover all the subject matters required for FAA pilot testing. CFIs teach private pilots and commercial pilots. CFIIs teach instrument students, and MEIs can teach multi-engine students. Many times, pilots become instructors to gain experience and flight hours so they may be eligible for other pilot jobs. Though instructors are generally low paid and work long hours, they have a tremendous amount of responsibility and stress, and they are generally regarded as important members of the aviation community.
Tour Operator
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Many great vacation spots and wonders of the world are best seen by air. The pilots who take passengers on scenic aerial tours are called tour operators. They may fly narrated tours over the Grand Canyon or give passengers a unique photo op by the famous Hollywood sign. These pilots generally fly smaller aircraft that include helicopters and fixed wing planes. They generally fly in good weather conditions with small groups of passengers.
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