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SOC: 53-2011 |
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers |
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Pilot and navigate the flight of multi-engine aircraft in regularly scheduled service for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport rating and certification in specific aircraft type used.
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| Career Exploration Guide Index |
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Education: |
Most entrants to this occupation have a college degree. Pilots must hold a license, and to earn one the applicant must be 18 years old and have at least 250 hours of flight experience. Flight hours can be reduced through participation in flight schools approved by the FAA. Test pilots often are required to have an engineering degree. Once trained, pilots are required to attend recurrent training and simulator checks once or twice a year throughout their career.
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Conditions: |
Airline pilots cannot fly more than 100 hours a month or 1000 hours a year. Most fly around 75 hours a month and work another 75 hours a month on nonflying activities. Work schedules are irregular and usually require a large amount of time spent away from home, since most flights involve overnight stays. Those not employed by airlines also have very irregular schedules but generally do not have to spend a large amount of time away from home.
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Outlook: |
Employment in this area is expected to show slower than average growth over the next 10 years. Few jobs will be created from rising demand for pilots. Computerized flight management systems on new aircraft will continue to eliminate the need for flight engineers on those planes.
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License: |
Applicants will have to pass a written test including questions on principles of flight safety, navigation techniques, and FAA regulations. They must also demonstrate their flying ability to an examiner. Additional requirements of airline pilots may also be required. Applicants should contact the Federal Aviation Administration for information including examination schedules, applications, and fees.
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