53-2011.00

Airline Pilots, Copilots, & Flight Engineers

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.

Career Cluster:Supply Chain & Transportation
Job Family:Transportation and Material Moving
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Industry:Transportation and Warehousing
Build Resume

Technology Tools

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointRMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Word

Key Tasks

  • 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.
  • Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
  • Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
  • Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
  • Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
  • Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
  • Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
  • Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
  • Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
  • Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.
  • Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.
  • Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
  • Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities.
  • Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.
  • File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic.
  • Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance.
  • Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.
  • Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights.
  • Evaluate other pilots or pilot-license applicants for proficiency.
  • Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.
  • Record in log books information, such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.
  • Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.
  • Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.

Skills

Operation and Control
97%
Operations Monitoring
91%
Active Listening
78%
Monitoring
78%
Critical Thinking
78%
Judgment and Decision Making
75%
Time Management
72%
Reading Comprehension
72%
Speaking
69%
Active Learning
69%
Coordination
66%
Complex Problem Solving
66%
Systems Analysis
56%
Social Perceptiveness
56%
Systems Evaluation
56%
Troubleshooting
53%
Mathematics
53%
Writing
53%
Quality Control Analysis
53%
Instructing
50%
Learning Strategies
50%
Management of Personnel Resources
47%
Service Orientation
47%
Persuasion
44%
Science
44%
Negotiation
41%
Operations Analysis
28%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Equipment Maintenance
19%
Management of Financial Resources
16%
Technology Design
16%
Programming
13%
Repairing
3%
Installation
0%
Equipment Selection
0%

Knowledge

Transportation
95%
English Language
73%
Mechanical
68%
Geography
68%
Public Safety and Security
68%
Mathematics
60%
Computers and Electronics
59%
Physics
58%
Law and Government
57%
Customer and Personal Service
53%
Administration and Management
53%
Engineering and Technology
47%
Psychology
46%
Education and Training
41%
Telecommunications
37%
Personnel and Human Resources
22%
Communications and Media
21%
Chemistry
20%
Design
19%
Administrative
17%
Sociology and Anthropology
15%
Philosophy and Theology
10%
Therapy and Counseling
10%
Medicine and Dentistry
9%
Foreign Language
8%
Economics and Accounting
8%
Production and Processing
8%
Biology
7%
Building and Construction
5%
Sales and Marketing
4%
History and Archeology
2%
Fine Arts
0%
Food Production
0%

Build a Resume for Airline Pilots, Copilots, & Flight Engineers

Create a professional, ATS-optimized resume tailored to this career path.

Create Resume

Abilities

Response Orientation
97%
Problem Sensitivity
94%
Control Precision
91%
Far Vision
81%
Reaction Time
81%
Near Vision
81%
Perceptual Speed
78%
Deductive Reasoning
78%
Depth Perception
78%
Rate Control
78%
Oral Expression
75%
Selective Attention
75%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Multilimb Coordination
75%
Flexibility of Closure
75%
Inductive Reasoning
75%
Spatial Orientation
75%
Time Sharing
75%
Written Comprehension
75%
Information Ordering
75%
Peripheral Vision
72%
Speech Recognition
69%
Hearing Sensitivity
69%
Speech Clarity
69%
Glare Sensitivity
66%
Visual Color Discrimination
66%
Manual Dexterity
63%
Visualization
60%
Night Vision
60%
Speed of Closure
60%
Auditory Attention
56%
Number Facility
56%
Mathematical Reasoning
53%
Finger Dexterity
53%
Written Expression
53%
Memorization
53%
Category Flexibility
50%
Fluency of Ideas
50%
Sound Localization
47%
Originality
47%
Wrist-Finger Speed
44%
Speed of Limb Movement
44%
Extent Flexibility
38%
Static Strength
28%
Trunk Strength
28%
Gross Body Equilibrium
25%
Dynamic Strength
22%
Gross Body Coordination
19%
Stamina
16%
Explosive Strength
13%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
97%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
96%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
93%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
93%
Getting Information
92%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
92%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
91%
Processing Information
87%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
86%
Controlling Machines and Processes
83%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
75%
Analyzing Data or Information
74%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
68%
Working with Computers
64%
Documenting/Recording Information
63%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
63%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
63%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
62%
Coaching and Developing Others
55%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
55%
Developing and Building Teams
52%
Training and Teaching Others
49%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
47%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
45%
Handling and Moving Objects
43%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
43%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
43%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
43%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
41%
Thinking Creatively
41%
Assisting and Caring for Others
39%
Scheduling Work and Activities
35%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
34%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
31%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
29%
Performing General Physical Activities
26%
Performing Administrative Activities
24%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
18%
Selling or Influencing Others
13%
Staffing Organizational Units
13%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
13%

Work Context

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

96%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

94%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

91%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

90%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

89%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

89%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

89%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

86%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

86%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

86%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

85%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

84%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

83%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

78%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

76%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

76%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

76%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

74%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

72%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

69%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

68%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

67%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

66%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

66%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

66%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

65%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

65%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

65%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

63%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

63%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

62%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

61%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

61%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

60%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

59%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

54%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

50%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

46%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

45%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

44%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

37%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

37%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

35%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

32%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

30%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

26%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

25%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

24%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

24%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

22%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

17%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

16%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

15%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

14%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

11%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

10%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

9%

Education

Bachelor's degree

61%

High school diploma or equivalent

18%

Less than high school diploma

8%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

62

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

62

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

47

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

36

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

25

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

7

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Cautiousness
100%
Self-Control
100%
Dependability
98%
Stress Tolerance
98%
Self-Confidence
80%
Leadership Orientation
78%
Perseverance
73%
Achievement Orientation
71%
Integrity
70%
Cooperation
64%
Intellectual Curiosity
56%
Adaptability
47%
Initiative
28%
Optimism
27%
Social Orientation
26%
Sincerity
25%
Humility
17%
Empathy
15%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
5%

Work Values

Independence
89%
Support
89%
Working Conditions
81%
Achievement
78%
Recognition
78%
Relationships
67%

Ready to pursue a career as Airline Pilots, Copilots, & Flight Engineers?

Create a professional resume that highlights the right skills and experience for this role.

Build Your Resume Now