Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
Many people love to fly! Pilots and flight engineers are those highly trained professionals who get to fly almost every day. Most are responsible for transporting passengers and cargo. However, some carry out more unusual tasks, such as crop dusting, search and rescue missions, firefighting, and observing traffic.
Career Opportunities
Larger airlines employ two pilots. The pilot, or captain, is in command. The co-pilot assists the pilot and is also referred to as the first officer. These two share flying duties, monitor instruments, and maintain communication with air traffic controllers. Some large aircraft also employ a third crewmember called the flight engineer. The flight engineer’s duties include monitoring of instruments, watching for other planes, and conducting in-flight repairs. A pilot’s responsibilities and duties begin before he ever leaves the ground. Preflight tasks are vital and ensure a smooth and safe flight. They check weather reports, determine the safest and fastest route, file flight plans, and check the plane to determine that all systems are functioning properly. Pilots usually find the most difficult part of flying is takeoff and landing. Beyond that, pilots rely heavily on instruments to fly the craft. They maintain contact with air traffic controllers to ensure a safe flight. Turbulence or severe weather may change a flight plan. Otherwise, pilots use the instruments to follow the prescribed route. Pilots who are not employed by airlines work for charter operations or fly private aircraft. These pilots are required to perform more preflight duties. They are often required to load the plane, perform minor repairs, and schedule flights. Other pilots become instructors. They teach ground-school courses and fly with students in private airplanes. They determine if candidates have obtained the skills necessary to fly independently.
Necessary Qualifications
Any pilot paid to carry passengers or cargo needs a commercial pilot’s license with an instrument rating. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age with a minimum of 250 hours of flight experience. Candidates must be in good health and have 20/20 vision with or without glasses. In addition, individuals will be required to pass the written FAA approved exam and perform a flight demonstration with an examiner. Pilots first receive a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) rating. After completing another 105 flight hours, forty of which must be with instruments, a pilot is eligible to earn an IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) rating. Another written and flight exam are required. Airline pilots must be at least 23 years of age and are required to have a minimum of 1,500 hours of flying time.
Salary and Advancement
Most pilots begin as instructors. They work their way up to flying charter flights and then corporate jets. Advancement in airlines is subject to union contract provisions. Seniority determines who gets the most desirable flights. Salaries range between $55,000 and $145,000 per year. Pilots and flight engineers often earn extra pay for night or international flights. Airline pilots receive healthcare and retirement benefits. In addition, they are paid expense allowances for every hour they spend away from home. Overnight stays are compensated for through paid hotels and meals. A favorite perk is free or reduced airfare for pilots and their immediate family members.
*This is a summarized article created to allow for a quick career review. For the most accurate and up-to-date information visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor website to learn more about Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers.
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copyright 2005
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