Commercial Pilots
Also called: Pilot, Captain, First Officer, Line Pilot
What they do:
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-winged aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots.
On the job, you would:
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
Knowledge
Transportation
- movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Business
- customer service
Safety and Government
- public safety and security
- law and government
Math and Science
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Skills
Basic Skills
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Controlled Movement
- quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
- quickly decide if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part
Verbal
- listen and understand what people say
- communicate by speaking
Hand and Finger Use
- hold or move items with your hands
- keep your arm or hand steady
Vision
- see details up close
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Self Control
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Stress Tolerance
- Analytical Thinking
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Data base user interface and query software
- AirSmith FlightPrompt
- AV8 software
Information retrieval or search software
- AeroPlanner
- Notam Development Group Airport Insight
Route navigation software
- Navzilla
Education
some college or
master's degree
usually needed
master's degree
usually needed
Take advantage of the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program to prepare for this career.
These apprenticeships may have sponsors in your area:
- Air Transport Pilot
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
$70,000
per year, on average
Explore More
- Forest Fire Fighting & Prevention Supervisors
- Locomotive Engineers
- Mates- Ship, Boat, & Barge
- Pilots, Ship
- Ship & Boat Captains
You might like a career in one of these industries: