Airline Pilot Job Description, Skills and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an airline pilot. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an airline pilot.
Who is an Airline Pilot?
The travel and tourism industry is a global multibillion-dollar industry that caters to the recreational, leisure, and business activities of travelers. The position of an airline pilot is a challenging yet rewarding and recompensing career. Though the training has high financial implications, airline pilots get to travel the world and enjoy one of the most enthralling careers in aerospace. In contrast to popular opinion, an airline pilot doesn’t just fly planes or aircraft; there are other perks and engagements in the profession. Moreover, helping people get to their destination albeit being paid to do so should be satisfying on its own. In relation, navigating airspaces and flying or soaring to different continents and parts of the world is arguably enticing and tantalizing.
Thus, an airline pilot can simply be defined as an individual or professional that flies passengers or cargo on long and short-haul flights for commercial, leisure, or business purposes. Importantly, most airline pilots take turns flying the plane to avoid fatigue. Usually, an aircraft is operated and flown by a minimum of two airline pilots; one is in command (the captain) while the other is the supporting first officer. Also, they collaborate to operate the control and speak to air traffic control and complete the necessary paperwork. Depending on the distance of the flight, there may be three or four airline pilots to ensure rotation and the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft, passengers, and safety crew.
The airline pilot also controls and operates the directional flight controls of an aircraft to ensure the safety of people in the air and on the ground. They formulate a flight plan and take into accordance altitude, weather, fuel, aircraft performance, and flying the plane. An airline pilot collaborates with flight attendants, conducts pre-flight checks, and ensures rules of the aircraft are strictly adhered to. Professionally, an airline pilot works for a specific company and transports cargo and people on fixed work schedules. They may also be employed by airlines to specifically anchor charter flights, aerial photography, or rescue operations. An airline pilot’s career is alluring, adventurous, tiring, and isolating. Most airline pilots spend much time away from their families while performing their duties. Based on the employer or airline, they spend an estimated 75 hours per month flying planes and an average of 150 hours on other duties. Also, an airline pilot can have an irregular work schedule that may include working several days in a row followed by several days of rest. However, flight regulatory bodies and agencies worldwide mandate airline pilots have at least 8 hours of rest between flights. Also, some airlines conduct regular checks and examinations of airline pilots to ensure they are in the right frame to fly.
Furthermore, an airline pilot ensures safe and economic operation along with the management of aircraft and freight. Besides meteorological considerations, the airline pilot oversees passenger and cargo loads and liaises with the engineering crew, control staff, and cabin crew to ensure the systems and aircraft are prepared for take-off. They work several tasks between take-off and landing; after take-off, the airline pilot communicates with air traffic, listens to and adheres to weather reports, observes fuel consumption, monitors engines, and systems, and informs passengers of the flight progress. Subsequently, airline pilots ensure the aircraft is taxied to its final position on landing. Afterward, they shut down the engine and write a detailed flight report noting any problems or technical difficulties encountered. Since an airline pilot operates multi-engine aircraft, technical knowledge and understanding of the best industry-specific practices are required to handle the plane through inclement weather and react to mechanical problems that occur during the flight.
Significantly, an airline pilot plays a leadership role during flights. Whether they are acting as first officers or captains, an airline pilot is responsible for passengers, crew members, and the aircraft. Also, airline pilots are trained to comfortably make quick decisions when a situation that requires urgent actions to maintain the safety of the flight abounds. Relatively, an airline pilot is groomed, taught, mentored, and oriented to appreciate and value travel and have a sense of adventure; flying aircraft takes them across many destinations and locations. Most airline pilots are often on standby depending on the route and employer; hence, they mostly live near the assigned airport to be able to arrive on time on short notice. Airline pilots that navigate long-haul flights tend to stay overnight at their destinations and are required to adjust to different time zones. Similarly, the workload of an airline pilot working on a charter airline is unevenly distributed depending on the seasons. Conversely, airline pilots working on scheduled airlines have evenly spread workloads throughout the year. Every six months, an airline pilot is subjected to and expected to pass certain tests as well as a medical examination yearly.
Airline Pilot Job Description
Below are the airline pilot job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an airline pilot job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
An airline pilot spends most of his/her time in the cockpit of the airline or aircraft; most of these cockpits are designed with comfort in mind. The length of the working day of airline pilots depends on the route and company and may range from three to twelve hours. An airline pilot faces heavy and varying professional responsibilities, personal commitment, and dedication. Once an individual secures a job as an airline pilot with an airline, he/she will be expected to perform industry and employer-based tasks which includes but is not restricted to the following;
- Ensure all information on the route, passengers, weather, and aircraft is received and intact.
- Make sure the fuel levels balance safety with economy and supervise the fuelling and loading of the aircraft.
- Create a flight plan to include details of the altitude for the flight, route to be taken, and amount of fuel needed.
- Ensure all safety systems are functioning properly.
- Regularly check the aircraft’s technical performance and position, weather conditions, and air traffic during a flight.
- Inform and maintain regular contact with the cabin crew before and throughout the flight.
- Use the public address system to communicate with passengers.
- Update the aircraft logbook.
- Write reports at the end of each flight noting any incidents or problems encountered.
- Perform pre-flight checks on the operating and navigation systems.
- React appropriately and quickly to emergencies and environmental changes.
- Communicate with air traffic control before take-off, during flight, and on landing.
- Constantly check the aircraft’s technical position and performance on air traffic and weather conditions during a flight.
- Interpret and understand data from instruments and controls.
- Ensure noise regulations are adhered to during landing and take-off.
- Check to ensure all the cockpit instruments are functioning properly.
- Make sure the cargo doesn’t exceed the aircraft’s weight limit.
- Collaborate with flight attendants to ensure passengers follow all the rules and regulations on board.
- Perform post-flight inspections to make sure the aircraft is intact.
- Select efficient and safe flight routes and determine risks that might occur.
- Keep accurate records for compliance purposes.
- Communicate with required personnel and agencies where applicable.
- Make decisions during a flight where necessary like altering the route.
- Note down deviations from the flight plan during the flight.
Qualifications
An individual can pursue several methods of education and training to gain employment as an airline pilot. Usually, the prospective airline pilot starts as a first officer (second-in-command) on the aircraft. However, most airlines place limitations on newly qualified airline pilots concerning the weather and routes they can fly in. After attaining substantial years of experience, an airline pilot can graduate to the position of captain and can be in command of a flight. Additionally, airline pilots must stay abreast of new technology or instruments in the aviation industry as well as present the following qualifications to be hired;
Age and vision: An airline pilot must have a 20/20 vision or correctable vision up to 20/20 to be employed. Acing or passing the vision requirements is crucial to getting hired or employed. Also, the candidate must be at least 21 years of age to qualify for the mandatory Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Knowledge and fitness: The preferred candidate must have excellent knowledge of aviation safety rules, procedures, and regulations. They must be technologically savvy and must not have any physical disability that can affect job performance to be considered.
Education: Most employers prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree in the aviation sector. Degrees in aviation management, aviation technology, and aircraft engineering can suffice. However, an aspiring airline pilot should enroll for and pass courses in pilot studies to stand out. Some companies and airlines insist applicants present some form of educational qualification before they begin training. Most coursework covers aeronautics, physics, and mathematics. In addition, the individual must pass a written and practical exam to demonstrate their ability and knowledge of flights to a designated examiner. There are government-approved flight schools that can offer theoretical and practical education for prospective airline pilots.
Training: The best candidates should have undergone several hours of flight training. Depending on the employer, airline, or country, the individual must have passed through a minimum of 35 to 40 hours of training under the supervision of a certified flight instructor. Some airlines require the individual to complete a certified pilot training program with at least 1500 to 2000 hours of flight time. Nonetheless, training from a government-approved and certified flight school is an advantage.
Rating: This is an essential qualification as well. The airline pilot must present an instrument rating or multi-engine rating and endorsement to be considered.
Certification and license: Airline pilots need certification and a license to practice. To qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot License or certificate, the applicant must be at least 21 years old, possess some hours of flight time experience, and pass written and physical flight exams. There are two main ways of achieving certification and license;
Integrated course: This is an intensive full-time course that lasts for 18 months. Under the guidance of a flight training provider, the individual is introduced to a mix of practical flying and classroom theory work. The supervisors take the students from zero hours of flying to the required amount for the license. The individual is responsible for the payment of training fees and other related charges.
Modular training: This can be carried out in chunks; is offered by the same training providers and cover the same scope as the integrated course. However, modular training allows the student to complete sections as they can afford them and work in between if necessary. Also, the theoretical aspects of the training can be completed either as a full-time course or as a distance-learning course. This is especially appealing to candidates that cannot afford the more expensive integrated course.
Essential Skills
An airline pilot is responsible for getting passengers and other crew members to their destination safely. The position encompasses the ability to solve problems effectively, anticipate changes, and act urgently during emergencies. An airline pilot works with other co-pilots and therefore, needs to be an excellent team player. Whether you already have a pilot license or are researching this profession, performing your duties as an airline pilot requires basic skills that must be honed and developed. Some of these skills are technical while others are soft skills needed to succeed in this profession. Along with the ability to fly an aircraft, an airline pilot needs the following skills;
Task management skills: The airline pilot’s role comes with different tasks and projects that must be managed efficiently. Hence, an individual must possess excellent task management skills to be able to prioritize projects and tasks.
Teamwork and interpersonal skills: This is the ability to successfully co-exist with colleagues, staff, and workers in other sections within the aircraft. An airline pilot must be able to work with air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers, and flight attendants to navigate between flights. Most times, airline pilots need to collaborate with flight crew members and co-pilots. Possessing robust teamwork abilities is vital to ensuring smooth communication during a flight. Relatively, exceptional interpersonal skills enable the airline pilot to get along with others regardless of their personality and position.
Professional demeanor: The airline or aviation industry requires professionalism always. Despite individual differences and/or sentiments, an airline pilot is expected to always conduct business professionally. They are expected to put differences aside and focus on the task ahead while working. Similarly, an airline pilot must remain professional when writing or reporting incidence that occurred during the flight.
Adaptability and quick decision-making skills: As aforementioned, unplanned situations may arise during a flight such as a change in weather conditions or a faulty engine. In such circumstances, the airline pilot is expected to make fast and meaningful decisions that can save the lives of passengers, crew members, and everyone on board. Also, adaptability skills are essential; the airline pilot must possess the ability to adapt and get used to unusual working hours and conditions.
Confidence: Airline pilots need the ability to take actions with assuredness because they are certain they can handle the consequences of such decisions. An airline pilot must be sure of his/herself backed by adequate training and experience.
Other related skills include the ability to multi-task, problem-solving skills, strong communication skills, high attention to detail, spatial awareness, and the ability to grasp and utilize technical information.
How to Become an Airline Pilot
Most airlines have structured career progression and advancement plans for an airline pilot. However, a combination of substantial aircraft and flying experience, certification and license, instrument rating, and education is required to become a pilot. Thus, the outlined steps below provide a common path to becoming an airline pilot;
Earn an approved bachelor’s degree: Major airlines and companies around the world require a bachelor’s degree in aviation or a related field. Therefore, search for an approved or authorized aviation institution and enroll for a degree in the field. As an advantage, pilot training is offered alongside aviation-related coursework in such citadels of learning.
Get a private airline pilot certificate: After graduation, obtain a private airline pilot certificate to be qualified to fly small aircraft. The requirements for this certificate include learning basic flight methods, aircraft maneuvering, flight planning, navigation, and emergency training. After meeting these requirements and obtaining the certificate, you will be legally qualified to fly a plane.
Acquire an instrument rating: Flying an aircraft requires reading and using instruments. Therefore, the aspiring airline pilot must learn and train to use sophisticated instruments that guide a plane through several altitudes and atmospheric conditions. This rating is considered compulsory by most airlines; it teaches the airline pilot how to interact with air traffic control and the airspace system.
Get a flight instructor certificate: Next, get a flight instructor’s certificate to gain experience and flight hours. Working as a flight instructor is a recommended way of accumulating flight hours and experience needed to work as an airline pilot.
Obtain a multi-engine rating: Earning a multi-engine rating enables the airline pilot to fly passenger planes. Also, this rating enables airline pilots to show that they can fly airplanes with multiple engines.
Log in hours in the air: A minimum of 1500 hours is required to become an airline pilot. Thus, attend training classes, flight instruction, and work as a commercial pilot to log in lots of hours in the air.
Obtain an airline transport pilot license: This is the highest license issued by regulatory bodies. After meeting all other requirements, apply for this license, undertake an integrated course or modular training, and pass a medical examination.
Apply, apply, and apply: Finally, apply for airline pilot roles in relevant airlines or companies.
Where to Work
Majorly, airline pilots are employed by airline companies, executive jet owners, air-taxi operators, and commercial airliners. Also, an airline pilot can be employed by a sporting institution, educational institution, charity organization, or a business corporation.
Airline Pilot Salary Scale
Generally, a pilot’s salary is often incremental rising each year of service with the employer. Attached benefits include discounted travel, pension scheme, medical allowance and insurance, and hazard allowance amongst others. According to research, the salary of airline pilots differs by location, Airline Company, experience, and type of aircraft. However, the average annual salary of an airline pilot is estimated to be $140,340 or $67.47 per hour. The highest-earning airline pilots make up to $208,000 per year which is equivalent to $100 hourly. On the flip side, low earners make $31.58 per hour equivalent to $65,690 yearly.
