Careers in Commercial Airline Piloting

A career in commercial airline piloting is ideal for those interested in a piloting career without having to be away from home for extended periods of time. However, commercial airline piloting has its own set of hazards, and requires a high level of skill and training.

Significance

one out of every five professional pilots is a commercial pilot. Commercial pilots are differentiated from airline pilots in that they do not transport people for companies such as US Airways or United. Rather, they work in other areas, such as government, corporations or private industry.

Function

Commercial pilots can be agricultural pilots who dust crops or spread seed, fire-fighting pilots, test pilots who help to test new aircraft, and transportation pilots who move cargo and people for corporations or private charter companies. Commercial pilots may also fly helicopters for search and rescue or life flight.

Training

Commercial pilots must have a commercial piloting license from the Federal Aviation Administration. To obtain a license, pilots must log flying hours, attend ground school and simulation training, and pass an examination.

Drawbacks

Commercial piloting can be more dangerous than airline piloting. Commercial pilots must often work in hazardous areas, bad weather or on experimental equipment. Commercial pilots' schedules can vary drastically from month to month, and they often work odd hours.

Compenastion

The median salary for commercial pilots is $75,500 per year (as of 2009). For those who work for corporations or in airplane testing, the average salary is higher, coming in at over $100,00 annually.