PILOT CAREER

What does a Pilot do?

Pilots fly fixed-winged aircrafts and
helicopters in order to provide transportation
to passengers or cargo. They usually work for
airlines and transportation companies. Pilots
working for a specific airline are called
Airline Pilots, while Pilots that fly charters or
private aircrafts are called Commercial Pilots.
The latter are hired by private individuals or
companies to fly their aircrafts.
 Education, Training & Certification
• Training: Pilots receive their training in the military or by
attending Federal Aviation Administration certified flight
schools.
• Education: Most employers prefer to hire candidates who
have a bachelor's degree, although the minimum education
requirement is two years of college. Coursework should
include English, math, physics, and aeronautical engineering.
• License: To work as a pilot, you need a commercial pilot's
license.
• Certification: Airline captains and first officers need a
transport pilot certificate. To qualify for one, a pilot must be
23 years old with 1,500 hours of flight time and pass written
and flight exams.
 Pilot Skills & Competencies
• Communication

• Teamwork

• Interpersonal skills

• Task management

• Professional demeanor

• Adaptability
 Responsibilities
 The responsibilities of pilots vary from day to day,
depending on factors such as whether the flight is a long
haul, international, or a one-hour internal flight. General
duties include:
• Pre-flight checks of all the instruments, engines, fuel and
safety systems aboard the aircraft
• Working with flight dispatchers to create the best flight
path
• Supervising the loading of cargo, baggage and fuel
• Briefing the cabin crew members before flight
• Following the instructions given by air traffic control
• Adjusting the flight path in case of weather emergencies
• Informing the cabin crew and passengers and crew about
journey progress
• Writing end reports about in-flight issues
Work Environment
A pilot career may seem alluring and
adventurous, as it provides an opportunity to visit
other places. However, it can also be tiring,
isolating, and cost you time away from loved
ones. Before you invest the time and effort in
pursuing such a career, make sure that you are
fully informed about it to make the best decision
for yourself and your family.
 Work Schedule

 Airline pilots spend an average of 75 hours each

month flying and 150 hours on non-flight
duties. Commercial pilots fly between 30 and 90
hours per month. Both have irregular schedules
that involve working several days in a row and
then having several days off.
 Airline pilots must have, as mandated by the
FAA, at least eight hours of rest between flights.
They are often away from home for at least a
few days at a time. Those who have seniority
with an airline get preferred routes, so newer
pilots may not get to choose where they fly.
Pilot Salary

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor

Statistics (BLS), the
average salary for airline pilots, copilots
and flight engineers is as follows:
• Median Annual Salary: $140,340
• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than
$208,000 ($100/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than
$65,690 ($31.58/hour)

 Reasons You Should Become a Pilot
 The View Is Stunning

 You'll Join an Elite Group

 Flying Makes You Smarter

 It's Practical and Convenient

 It's Exciting

 You'll Gain a New Respect for the World Around You

and the Flying Machine
 Disadvantages of being a pilot
 Spending more time away from family

 Irregular schedules

 The stress of having life in your hands

 Flying airlines is mostly life long decision

 Flight routines are seniority-based

 Routine medical test and recurrent training

 Layovers are unpleasant

 Missing important events

 Night flights affect your sleep cycle

Pilot life in a video
Amazing sunsets