-
Pilots
Pilots have special training that allows them to fly many types of aircraft. They fly large or small airplanes, transporting passengers and cargo all over the world. -
Related Careers
Aerospace Engineer
Air Traffic Controller
Aircraft Mechanic
Association Manager
Airport Ground Crew
Astronaut
Avionics Tech -
Working Conditions
Often spend time away from home.
Typically work 6 to 12 hours a day.
Overnight, weekend, and holiday work are common.
The work can be stressful. -
Education and Training
It takes up to atlas a 2-year college or Technical Program to become a pilot. -
Employment
Work for airlines, the military, flying schools, tour companies, governments, corporate fleets, and charter companies, or are self-employed. -
Earnings
Entry wage - $62,580
Median Wage - $76,420
Experieced Wage - $98,430 -
Job Description
Every year, millions of people and tons of cargo travel have to travel all over the world. Many people work hard to make sure planes and other aircraft provide dependable service. Foremost among them are pilots. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of planes and helicopters. The type of aircraft pilots fly depends on the work they do. Pilots for major airlines fly large passenger jets. -
Career Path
Charter Pilot (single-engine planes)
Charter Pilot (light multiple-engine planes)
Charter / Scheduled Pilot (larger planes)
Captain or First Officer (for a major airline) -
Attributes & Abilities
Able to remain calm under pressure
Work well as part of a team
Communication skills
Patient, meticulous, and careful
Physically and mentally healthy -
Pilots Stripes
A flight engineer or a second officer wears two stripes. A first officer, also called a co-pilot or second in command, wears three stripes. A captain, or a pilot in command, wears four stripes. Pilots also typically wear a winged badge indicating their qualification to fly and their seniority. -
Dress Code for Pilots
Right down to the white pilot's hat, double-breasted black jacket and gold-braid loops on the sleeves that signify rank. Over the years, airline pilot uniforms evolved. Today, most airlines wear some sort of black or blue blazer or leather jacket over a standard white pilot shirt and tie. -
What it takes to become one in the Military
Generally, U.S. military pilots need to possess at least a four-year college degree before commencement of aviator training. Army warrant officer helicopter pilots don't need a college degree, but must score highly on the army's aviator aptitude test. -
Core Task
- Complete pre-flight planning, such as checking weather conditions and creating fuel plans -Conduct walk-around inspections of aircraft -Control aircraft during takeoff, flight, and landing -Monitor all gauges and systems during flight -On landing, secure aircraft, complete paperwork, and alert mechanics to any problems
-
Nature of the Work
Able to remain calm under pressure.
Work well as part of a team.
Communication skills.
Patient, meticulous, and careful. -
Period: to
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics