Job Description & Outline for an Airline Pilot

Airline pilots are responsible for operating aircraft safely.

Airline pilots operate airplanes for airline companies. According to the Air Line Pilots Association, International, experience is a critical attribute for airline pilots. The skills acquired while flying airplanes help pilots cope better with air traffic control and general aviation procedures, changing weather conditions, emergency situations, industry requirements, passenger issues and the unique characteristics of each flight.

Types

Captains, copilots or first officers and flight engineers or second officers are the three types of professionals allowed to operate aircraft for airlines. Captains have the most seniority and authority, although they typically share responsibilities with copilots. The Air Line Pilots Association, International clarifies that flight engineers aren't always pilots, and flights don't always require their presence, especially because newer aircraft are designed to function properly with just a captain and copilot handling primarily computer-based controls.

Function

Airline captains, who often have the most flying experience, supervise crew members and perform flight tasks with the copilot. Common shared tasks include collaborating during the difficult landing and takeoff processes, interacting with air traffic controllers, monitoring flight instruments and planning the flight before departing. The last task may involve confirming weather conditions; ensuring the airplane's controls, engines, instruments and systems are working correctly; and determining the optimal flight path. Flight engineers, when present, assist the captain and copilot by checking for nearby aircraft, operating and monitoring flight instruments and systems, performing required in-flight repairs and sharing communications duties.

Education and Training

Employers typically prefer college graduates, although some will hire pilots with only a high school diploma or some college attendance. Initial pilot training comes from flight experience gained through a military career or enrollment in a flight school that employs instructors with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. Once hired, airline pilots must complete up to 6 weeks of simulator training and ground school plus 25 hours of flight operation that includes a trip with a safety inspector from the FAA monitoring the pilot's performance. Subsequently, airline pilots must complete simulator and training checks up to twice each year.

Licensing

All airline pilots require an FAA license, which demands flight experience of no less than 250 hours, demonstrated flying proficiency and a minimum age of 18 years. Applicants must also pass a written aviation examination and a physical examination to prove they have 20/20 vision, good hearing, good health and no detrimental physical handicaps. Airline captains must be 23 years old with no less than 1,500 hours of acceptable flight experience, and they must pass additional flight and written examinations. Licensed airline pilots maintain their credentials by passing regular examinations that verify their eyesight, flying ability and physical health.

Salary and Benefits

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, airline pilots earned mean yearly wages of $119,750 in May 2008, with those employed in Texas earning the highest mean annual income of $136,280. Most airline pilots are also eligible for health and life insurance through their employer, and many frequently receive a per diem allowance that covers expenses while they're traveling and free or reduced transportation fares for them and their family.

References

• Air Line Pilots Association, International: The Piloting Profession
• O*NET: Summary Report for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics - Aircraft Pilots
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook - Aircraft Pilots

Resources

• Air Line Pilots Association, International
• Federal Aviation Administration