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Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer

What You Need to Know About Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer

Definition: Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing, multi-engine aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport Pilot certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used.

Job Duties

• Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.
• Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
• Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
• Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
• File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic.
• Record in log books information such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.

Skills Required

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers should possess the following skills:

• Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying and taking time to understand the points being made.
• Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself and others to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.
• Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Average Salary

The typical yearly salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ranges from $65,690 to $208,000.

How to Become an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer

Individuals typically need a Federal Air Transport Pilot certificate and specific training based on the aircraft type.