Pilots operate aircraft and supervise other aircraft crew members. They are responsible for the safety of the airplane as well as that of the passengers, crew, and cargo.
About half of all pilots are commercial airline pilots. Before a flight, they examine the airplane's control equipment. After determining the weather and flight conditions, pilots check their flight plans and have them approved by the air tower controllers. Meanwhile the copilot-the pilot's assistant-charts the airplane's route and computes the flying time. The pilot then requests the dispatcher to permit to taxi, or begin moving the aircraft. After taxiing to the runway, the pilot must decide whether to take off or have the airplane's performance checked further.
Once the plane is in the air, it usually flies itself by an electronic automatic pilot. The pilot and copilot regularly report to air-route control stations by radio. They receive information about the weather and report any problems they may have. Before landing, the pilot rechecks the landing gear and requests clearance from the air tower controllers. In poor visibility the landing may be performed entirely by instruments. After the landing the pilot must file a flight report. The plane is then turned over to the maintenance crew.
Besides commercial pilots there are several other kinds of pilots. Test pilots carefully check the flight performance of new or experimental planes. It is their job to make sure the planes are safe to fly. Check pilots regularly observe other pilots to review their flying ability. Check pilots are employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and by large airlines.
Business pilots fly aircraft owned by private companies. They usually fly with no flight crews to assist them. Between flights business pilots are in charge of the necessary maintenance duties. Agricultural pilots, or crop dusters, fly planes that drop chemical fertilizers and pest killers on crops. They sometimes also work as firefighters, flying planes that help control forest fires.
Helicopter pilots use their skills to provide a wide range of services. Some fly over major highways and report on automobile traffic conditions and accidents. Others provide ambulance services for certain hospitals. Helicopter pilots can help fire departments extinguish fires. They can also assist rescue operations in wilderness and mountain areas. Private companies sometimes hire helicopter pilots to provide transportation services.
Education and Training
All pilots should have at least a high school education, but most employers prefer college graduates for the job. High school courses in science and mechanical drawing are helpful.
All pilots who are paid to transport passengers or cargo must have a commercial pilot's license. To qualify for this license, you must be at least 18 years old and have at least 250 hours of flight experience. If you participate in certain FAA-approved flight schools then this time can be reduced.
You must undergo several tests to obtain your license. First, you must pass a strict physical exam to determine that you are in good health and have both good hearing and vision correctable to 20/20. The FAA also administers two tests for the license: a written test to check your knowledge of FAA rules, navigation, and radio operation; and a demonstration of your flying skills for a check pilot. The license is granted for a certain class and type of airplane. For instance, all pilots and copilots also must have a rating for the class of plane they can fly (such as single-engine, multiengine, or seaplane) and for the specific type of plane, such as a DC-9 or Boeing 747.
Some pilots need further qualifications. For example, a pilot must have an instrument rating to fly in bad weather. This permits the pilot to fly an airplane entirely by instrument. The rating is given by the FAA and requires that a pilot have 40 hours of experience in instrument flying.
Airline pilots must fulfill further requirements for their license. They must be at least 23 years old and have a total of 1,500 hours of flight time, including night and instrument flying. Commercial pilots also need a restricted radio operator's permit from the Federal Communications Commission.
You can get excellent pilot training while serving in the armed forces. Flying can also be learned in civilian flying schools. Either kind of training satisfies the flight experience requirements for commercial licensing. There are more than 600 FAA-certified civilian flying schools nationwide that offer pilot training.
Getting the Job
Most airline pilots begin as copilots. Some begin as flight engineers, who ride in the cockpits and make certain that the aircraft and all the instruments are in good working order. Pilots should apply directly to commercial airlines for jobs.
Business pilots should apply to business firms if they are qualified. Flying schools can also offer advice on finding a job.
Employment Outlook
Pilots are already at the top of their profession. Some, however, advance to jobs as check pilots or chief pilots. Others begin their own flying schools or go on to administrative jobs in commercial airlines. Many pilots advance in terms of seniority. Those who work for the same company for a long time receive higher pay and better routes.
The employment outlook for professional pilots is fair. There are currently many more qualified applicants than positions available, so competition is keen. Pilots who have logged the greatest number of flying hours and know how to use the most up-to-date equipment have the best prospects.
Working Conditions
Airline pilots work about 16 days a month. They usually spend fewer than 70 hours a month actually flying. The remaining time is spent performing nonliving duties. Airline pilots may not fly more than 100 hours a month or 1,000 hours a year. The working hours are irregular. The majority of flights involve layovers away from home.
Aircraft are usually clean and comfortable. Certain risks are involved in flying, however. Commercial pilots on international routes suffer from jet lag--a disorientation and fatigue caused by many hours of flying through different time zones. Test pilots have a particularly dangerous job. If the planes they fly do not work properly, they can be seriously injured or killed. Agricultural pilots must work with toxic chemicals and rarely have the benefit of a landing field.
Although flying does not involve much physical effort, pilots often are subject to stress and must be constantly alert to make decisions quickly. Professional pilots work under pressure. They are responsible for the safety of the aircraft and everything aboard it. Furthermore, they must constantly pass demanding physical examinations. They can lose their jobs at any time if their health is not perfect.
Earnings and Benefits
Airline pilots' wages depend on the type, size, and speed of the airplane they are flying, as well as the number of hours and miles flown. Pilots receive extra pay for night work and for international flights. Currently, the average salary for all airline pilots runs anywhere between $26,900 and $76,800 year. Many airline pilots are members of unions.
Pilots for large commercial airlines earn an average salary of $65,000 to $85,000 a year. Some senior captains on very large aircraft can earn as much as $200,000 a year. Business pilots with the rating of chief pilot average between $47,900 and $72,500 a year. In general, pilots of jet aircraft earn more than non-jet pilots.
Benefits pilots receive vary by employer. Airline pilots and their immediate families can fly at reduced airfare. Living accommodations and allowances are provided when airline pilots are away from home Benefits available to most pilots include paid vacations and sick leave and life and health insurance. Retirement benefits are also available to many pilots.
