What You'll Do

  • Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
  • Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
  • Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
  • Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
  • Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
  • Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
  • Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
  • Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
  • Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
  • Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.

Essential Skills

Operation and Control 4.88/5
Operations Monitoring 4.62/5
Active Listening 4.12/5
Critical Thinking 4.12/5
Monitoring 4.12/5
Judgment and Decision Making 4.0/5
Reading Comprehension 3.88/5
Time Management 3.88/5
Speaking 3.75/5
Active Learning 3.75/5
Coordination 3.62/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.62/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Leader: Taking charge and moving ideas forward motivates you.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Self-Control, Cooperation, Stress Tolerance

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Response Orientation 4.88/5
Problem Sensitivity 4.75/5
Control Precision 4.62/5
Reaction Time 4.25/5
Near Vision 4.25/5
Far Vision 4.25/5
Deductive Reasoning 4.12/5
Perceptual Speed 4.12/5

Technologies & Tools

AeroPlanner Airline Pilots Daily Aviation Log PPC AirSmith FlightPrompt CoPilot Flight Planning & E6B Document Object Model DOM Scripting doXstor Flight Level Logbook Electronic aircraft information databases IFT-Pro Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Visio Microsoft Word MJICCS PilotLog Navzilla Nimblefeet Technologies Captain's Keeper Notam Development Group Airport Insight Pilot Navigator Software Load Balance Polaris Microsystems AeroLog Pro

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.72/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.67/5)
  • Self-Control (High importance: 4.61/5)
  • Cooperation (High importance: 4.57/5)
  • Stress Tolerance (High importance: 4.55/5)

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How to Become One

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Some positions may also require experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level work to strengthen your candidacy.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Air Force Pilot Airbus Captain Aircraft Captain Aircraft Pilot Airline Captain Airline Pilot Airline Pilot Flight Instructor Airline Transport Pilot Airplane Pilot Army Helicopter Pilot Captain Check Airman Co-Pilot Commercial Airline Pilot Copilot Facilities Flight Check Pilot Fighter Pilot First Officer (FO) First Officer Pilot (FO Pilot) Helicopter Pilot Jet Pilot Line Pilot Military Pilot Navy Fighter Pilot Pilot Regional Airline Pilot