Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers Careers

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The average value of the Bachelor degree needed to become a Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is $2,401,488.00.

Points of interest

Individuals who are interested in careers as pilots, copilots, and flight engineers will find the best employment opportunities with regional airlines and low-cost carriers. Major airlines offer better pay and more benefits, but the competition is fierce. Many pilots learn to fly aircraft in the military, but an increasing number of pilots are obtaining college degrees from flight schools catering to civilians. These schools are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Nature of the Work

Pilots are individuals who are highly trained to fly airplanes and helicopters to perform various tasks. Most pilots transport passengers and cargo to various places. However, one-third of commercial pilots are involved in dusting crops, spreading seed for reforestation, testing aircraft, flying passengers to places that are not served by major airlines, directing the efforts of firefighting, monitoring traffic, tracking criminals, and rescuing and transporting injured persons.

With the exception of small aircraft, usually two pilots make up the cockpit crew. The captain, which is the most experienced pilot, is usually in command and supervises the other aircraft crew. The pilot and copilot typically share flying and other duties. The additional duties that pilots and copilots are responsible for include communicating with air traffic controllers and monitoring the instruments. Some airlines have a flight engineer in their cockpit. The flight engineer assists the pilot and copilot with aircraft duties.

The most difficult part of the flight involves the takeoff and landing. These two tasks require coordination between the two pilots. When a flight is preparing for takeoff, usually the pilot focuses on the runway and the copilot concentrates on the instrument panel.

Except for in the case of bad weather, the flight is a fairly routine process. Airplane pilots are assisted by autopilot, so their main adjective is to steer the plane along the planned route. They are monitored by air traffic controllers along the way.

The non-flying duties pilots are responsible for varies depending on the company. Airline pilots usually do not have to perform many non-flying duties because they have the services of a large support staff. There are times when pilots may be asked to assist with disgruntled or disruptive passengers. Also, airline pilots who undergo extensive training and screening under the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program are allowed to act as Federal law enforcement officers and are issued firearms to protect the cockpit against intruders.

Pilots that work for other chartered operators or businesses have many additional duties. These duties may include loading the aircraft, handling all passenger luggage to ensure a balanced load, supervising the refueling of the aircraft, record keeping, scheduling flights, scheduling maintenance, and performing small aircraft maintenance and repairs. Some pilots are flight instructors. They teach their students in ground-school classes, in simulators, and in dual-controlled planes and helicopters. A few specially trained pilots are examiners or check pilots. They periodically fly with other pilots or pilot's license applicants to make sure that they are proficient.

Most pilots spend a lot of time away from home because many flights have required overnight layovers. All hotel accommodations, travel between the hotel to airport, and meal allowances are provided by the airlines. The Airline Pilot’s association states that pilots spend around 360 hours away from home every month.

Jet lag is a very common experience for pilots, especially those with international routes. In an effort to protect against fatigue, the FAA requires airlines to give pilots at least 8 hours of uninterrupted rest in the 24 hours before completing their flight duty.

Commercial pilots often perform hazardous duties. Test pilots who check the flight performance of new and experimental planes may work in dangerous situations. Pilots who work as crop dusters may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, and usually do not have the benefit of a landing strip. Due to hearing the constant loud noises of aircraft engines, all pilots face the potential risk of hearing loss.

The FAA limits airline pilots to a maximum of 100 hours of flying time a month, and 1,000 hours a year. Most airline pilots average around 75 hours of flying time a month, and work around 140 hours performing non-flying duties. Most pilots work schedules vary, working several days in a row and then having several days off in a row. Pilots work various shifts because flights occur at all hours of the days and night.

Commercial pilots experience irregular work hours. They may work 30 hours one month, and then work 90 hours the next month. Commercial pilots have many non-flying duties, so their free time is much less than airline pilots. Most commercial pilots do not remain away from home for long periods of overnight, but they may work odd hours. If the company has a fleet of planes, commercial pilots may work a regular schedule. Flight instructors may have seasonal or irregular work hours. Most of their hours depend on their student’s availability.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Most major airlines require individuals to have at least 2 years of college experience, but prefer to hire college graduates. Many employers are now requiring applicants to have college degrees to be considered for employment. This is due to the increasing number of college-educated applicants. Suggested courses for preparation of an aircraft pilot career include English, math, physics, and aeronautical engineering.

Pilots are required to have flight experience to qualify for a license. Many individuals have received flight experience in the United States Armed Forces. The military provides individuals with extensive flying time and experience with jet aircraft and helicopters. An increasing number of individuals are receiving flight experience by attending flight schools or private lessons from FAA-certified instructors. Attending a FAA-approved flight school may reduce the amount of flying experience required to become licensed. Around 600 flight schools were certified by the FAA in 2009, including some colleges and universities offering credit for pilot training.

The initial training for pilots usually includes a one-week orientation. Pilots are then required to attend to 3-6 weeks of ground school and simulator training. They are also required to have 25 hours of initial operating experience, which includes a check-ride with a FAA aviation safety inspector. After training, pilots are required to attend continual training classes and simulator checks 1 or 2 times a year throughout their career.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have 250 hours of flight experience to qualify to become licensed. They are also required to pass a physical examination to ensure they are in good health. Applicants are required to have 20/20 vision with or without corrective lenses and good hearing. They must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as the principles of safe flight, navigation techniques, and FAA regulation. In addition, they must prove to FAA examiners they have flying ability.

Pilots need to be rated by the FAA to fly by instruments, which are used to fly when there is low visibility. 40 hours of experience flying with instruments, and the required flight experience hours are needed for pilots to qualify for this rating. They must also pass a written exam with questions on FAA regulations covering flying with instruments, and demonstrate their ability to fly by instruments. There are different requirements depending on the certificate level pilots are seeking.

Captains are required to have an air transport license. Candidates are required to be at least 23 years old. They must also have 1500 hours of flying experience, which includes cross country, night, and instrument flying. Candidates are also required to pass FAA and written flight examinations. In most cases, they have one or more advanced ratings depending on their job requirements.

Pilots are required to make quick and critical decisions, therefore, many airlines require applicants to pass psychological and aptitude tests before they are hired. All licenses remain valid as long as pilots pass periodic eye exams and the required test administered by the FAA and their employers.

There is not much advancement amongst pilots. Most opportunities available are limited to other flying jobs. Pilots with experience sometimes get jobs with smaller transportation firms, or have the opportunity to fly charter planes.

Advancements in the airline industry are typically based on seniority and union contracts. Flight engineers are promoted to first officer after 1 to 5 years, and then to captain after 5 to 15 years. The most desirable routes are administered to pilots based on seniority.

Employment

In 2008 there were around 116,000 civilian aircraft pilot and flight engineer jobs. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers held around 76,800 of those jobs. The rest of the jobs were held by commercial pilots who worked as flight instructors at local airports, or for large companies that transport cargo or executives in their own airplanes and helicopters. Other commercial pilots worked as crop dusters, inspecting pipelines, or conducting sightseeing tours.

Pilots are located across the country, but most airline pilots are based near major metropolitan airports or airports operating hubs for major airlines.

Job Outlook

Jobs for aircraft pilots and flight engineers are expected to grow as fast as the national average for all other occupations. Pilots seeking employment at major airlines will face fierce competition. The best opportunities will be found at regional airlines or low-cost carriers.

Regional airlines are expected to grow faster than major airlines. There should also be increased opportunities with air cargo carriers because of the increasing security requirements for shipping freight on passenger airlines, and the increased demand for global freight.

Pilots who are attempting to get jobs at major airlines will have to compete with laid-off pilots. Military pilots have the best prospects because of their flying experience using sophisticated equipment. Commercial pilots face mandatory retirement at age 65, so additional job openings may result from those who are leaving the labor force.

Pilot jobs are affected by recessions and cyclical swings in the economy. When the demand for air travel declines, some airlines choose to temporarily layoff pilots.

Projections

A 12% employment growth is expected for aircraft pilots and flight engineers from 2008 to 2018. Growing populations and an expanding economy is expected to boost the demand for air travel in the long run. As airlines expand their capacity to meet demands, new jobs will be created.

Earnings

Earnings vary greatly between airline pilots and commercial pilots. Earnings depend on other factors such as seniority, rank, and the size and type of the aircraft that is flown. Extra earnings may be given to pilots who fly at night or have international flights.

Airline pilots receive health and life insurance benefits, as well as retirement benefits. If pilots fail the FAA physical examination during any part of their career, they are eligible for disability benefits. Pilots are allowed an expense account or per diem for the hours they are away from home. Pilots and their families are usually allowed to fly for free or at a reduced price with their airlines or other airlines.

More than 50% of all airlines pilots are union members. The two major unions are the Air Line Pilots Association, International and the Air Line Pilots Association.

Wages

The mean average wages for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers were $117,060 in 2009. The top 10% earned $166,400. The middle 50% earned $106,240. The bottom 10% earned $56,620.

The mean average wages for commercial pilots were $73,060 in 2009. The top 10% earned $120,550. The middle 50% earned $65,840. The bottom 10% earned $32,520.

Related Occupations

Airfield operation specialist

Air traffic controllers

Sources of Additional Information

Individuals who want to receive additional information about job opportunities, salaries, or qualifications should contact the manager at the particular airline of interest.

For additional information on pilots, contact the Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591. Internet: http://www.faa.gov.

For additional information on airline pilots, contact the Air Line Pilots Association, International, 1625 Massachusetts Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20036. Internet: http://www.clearedtodream.org.

For additional information on helicopter pilots, contact Helicopter Association International, 1635 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Internet: http://www.rotor.com.