- Home
- My Career Path
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Also called : Airbus Captain, Airline Captain, Airline Pilot, Captain, Check Airman, Co-Pilot, Commercial Airline Pilot, First Officer, Line Pilot, Pilot
What they do
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
On the job, one would
- Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
- Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
- Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
KNOWLEDGE
- Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
- Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
SKILLS
- Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
ABILITIES
- Response Orientation
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
- Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
- Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
TECHNOLOGY
- Analytical or scientific software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Electronic mail software
- Information retrieval or search software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Process mapping and design software
- Route navigation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Word processing software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
Four-year bachelor degree
- Experience
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupation
- Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.