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Airline andCommercial Pilot

Careers

Summary

What Airline and Commercial Pilots DoAirline and commercial pilots fl y and navigate airplanes or helicopters. Air-line pilots fl y for airlines that transport people and cargo on a fi xed sched-ule. Commercial pilots fl y aircraft for other reasons, such as charter fl ights, rescue operations, fi refi ghting, aerial photography, and crop dusting.

Work EnvironmentPilots spend a considerable amount of time away from home because fl ights often involve overnight layovers. Those who fl y international routes may experience jetlag. Many have variable schedules.

How to Become an Airline or Commercial PilotMany pilots learn to fl y in the military, but a growing number have an asso-ciate’s or bachelor’s degree from a civilian fl ight school. All pilots who are paid to transport passengers or cargo must have a commercial pilot’s license and an instrument rating.

PayIn May 2010, median annual wages of airline pilots, copilots, and fl ight engineers were $103,210, and median annual wages of commercial pilots were $67,500.

Job OutlookEmployment of airline and commercial pilots is expected to grow 11 per-cent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Regional airlines and low-cost carriers will present the best job opportuni-ties. Pilots seeking jobs at the major airlines will face strong competition.

Index

Chapter 1 How to become a Airline or Commercial Pilot................. 1

Chapter 2 What they do ....................................................................... 5

Chapter 3 Work environment .............................................................. 7

Chapter 4 Pay ........................................................ .............................. 9

Chapter 5 Job Outlook ..................................................................... 11

Chapter 6 Additional Contacts for more information .........................13

Chapter 1_______________________________________

How to Become an Airline or Commercial Pilot_______________________________________

Many pilots learn to fl y in the military, but a growing number now earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a civilian fl ying school. All pilots who are paid to transport passengers or cargo must have a commercial pilot’s li-cense and an instrument rating. To qualify for a commercial pilot’s license, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have at least 250 hours of fl ight experience.

Education and Training

Military veterans have always been an important source of experienced pi-lots because of the extensive training and fl ight time that the military pro-vides. However, an increasing number of people are becoming pilots by attending fl ight school or taking lessons from a Federal Aviation Admin-istration (FAA) certifi ed instructor. The FAA certifi es hundreds of civil-ian fl ight schools, including some colleges and universities that offer pilot training as part of an aviation degree.

In addition, most airline companies require at least 2 years of college and prefer to hire college graduates. In fact, most pilots today have a bachelor’s degree. Because the number of college-educated applicants continues to in-crease, many employers are making a college degree an entry-level require-ment. Preferred courses for airline pilots include English, math, physics, and aeronautical engineering.

Because pilots must be able to make quick decisions and react appropriately under pressure, airline companies will often reject applicants who do not

pass psychological and aptitude tests.

Once hired by an airline, new pilots undergo additional company training that usually includes 6-8 weeks of ground school and 25 hours of additional fl ight time. After they fi nish this training, airline pilots must keep their cer-tifi cation by attending training once or twice a year.Licenses

Commercial pilot’s license. All pilots who are paid to transport passengers or cargo must have a commercial pilot’s license. To qualify for this license, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have at least 250 hours of fl ight experience.

Applicants must also pass a strict physical exam to make sure that they are in good health, must have vision that is correctable to 20/20, and must have no physical handicaps that could impair their performance.

In addition, they must pass a written test that includes questions about safe-ty procedures, navigation techniques, and FAA regulations.

Finally, they must demonstrate their fl ying ability to an FAA-designated examiner.

Instrument rating. To fl y during periods of low visibility, pilots must be rated to fl y by instruments. They may qualify for this rating by having at least 40 hours of instrument fl ight experience. Pilots also must pass a writ-ten exam and show an examiner their ability to fl y by instruments.

Airline certifi cations. Currently, airline captains must have an airline trans-port pilot certifi cate. In 2013, new regulations will require fi rst offi cers to have this certifi cate as well. Applicants must be at least 23 years old, have a minimum of 1,500 hours of fl ight time, and pass written and fl ight exams. Furthermore, airline pilots usually maintain one or more advanced ratings, depending on the requirements of their particular aircraft.

All licenses are valid as long as a pilot can pass periodic physical, eye, and fl ight examinations.Advancement

Many civilian pilots start as fl ight instructors, building up their fl ight hours

while they earn money teaching. As they become more experienced, these instructors can move into jobs as commercial pilots.

Commercial pilots may begin their careers fl ying charter planes, helicop-ters, or crop dusters. These positions typically require less experience than airline jobs require. Some commercial pilots may advance to fl ying corpo-rate planes.

In nonairline jobs, a fi rst offi cer may advance to captain and, in large com-panies, to chief pilot or director of aviation. However, many pilots use their commercial experience as a steppingstone to becoming an airline pilot.

Airline pilots may begin as fl ight engineers or fi rst offi cers for regional air-line companies. Newly hired pilots at regional airline companies typically have about 2,000 hours of fl ight experience.

Over time, experience gained at these jobs may lead to higher paying jobs with major airline companies. Newly hired pilots at major airline compa-nies typically have about 4,000 hours of fl ight experience.

For airline pilots, advancement depends on a system of seniority outlined in union contracts. Typically, after 1 to 5 years, fl ight engineers may advance to fi rst offi cer and, after 5 to 15 years, to captain.Important Qualities

Communication skills. Pilots must speak clearly when conveying informa-tion to air traffi c controllers. They must also listen carefully for instructions.

Depth perception. Pilots must be able to see clearly and judge the distance between objects.

Detail oriented. Pilots must watch many systems at the same time. Even small changes can have signifi cant effects, so they must constantly pay close attention to many details.

Monitoring skills. Pilots must regularly watch over gauges and dials to make sure that all systems are in working order.

Problem-solving skills. Pilots must be able to identify complex problems and fi gure out appropriate solutions. When a plane encounters turbulence,

for example, pilots assess the weather conditions, select a calmer airspace, and request a route change from air traffi c control.

Quick reaction time. Because warning signals can appear with no notice, pilots must be able to respond quickly to any impending danger.

Teamwork. Pilots work closely with air traffi c controllers and fl ight dis-patchers. As a result, they need to be able to coordinate actions on the basis of the feedback they receive.

Chapter 2__________________What Airline and

Commercial Pilots Do_______________________________

Airline and commercial pilots fl y and navigate airplanes or helicopters. Air-line pilots fl y for airlines that transport people and cargo on a fi xed sched-ule. Commercial pilots fl y aircraft for other reasons, such as charter fl ights, rescue operations, fi refi ghting, aerial photography, and crop dusting.

Pilots typically do the following: • Follow a checklist of prefl ight checks on engines, hydraulics, and other systems • Ensure that all cargo has been loaded and that the aircraft weight is properly balanced • Check fuel, weather conditions, and fl ight schedules • Contact the control tower for takeoff and arrival instructions • Start engines, operate controls, and steer aircraft along planned routes • Monitor engines, fuel consumption, and other aircraft systems during fl ight • Navigate the aircraft, using cockpit instruments • Ensure a smooth takeoff and landing

For all but small aircraft, two pilots usually make up the cockpit crew. Gen-erally, the most experienced pilot, the captain, is in command and supervis-es all other crew members. The copilot, often called the fi rst offi cer, shares fl ight duties with the captain.

These duties include communicating with air traffi c controllers, monitoring instruments, and steering the plane.

Some older planes require a third pilot known as a fl ight engineer. This per-son helps the other pilots by monitoring instruments and operating controls. New technology has automated many of these tasks, and most new planes do not require a fl ight engineer.

Before departure, pilots plan their fl ights carefully, checking various sys-tems on the aircraft and making sure that baggage and cargo have been loaded correctly. They also confer with air traffi c controllers to learn about weather conditions and to confi rm the fl ight route.

Takeoffs and landings are the most diffi cult parts of the fl ight and require close coordination between the pilot and copilot. Once in the air, the captain and fi rst offi cer usually alternate fl ying each leg of the fl ight. After landing, pilots must fi ll out records that document their fl ight and the maintenance status of the plane.

Some airline pilots may have to help handle customer complaints.

With proper training, airline pilots may also be deputized as federal law enforcement offi cers and be issued fi rearms to protect the cockpit.

Commercial pilots employed by charter companies usually have many more nonfl ight duties. For example, they may schedule fl ights, arrange for main-tenance of the plane, and load luggage to ensure a balanced weight.

Pilots who fl y helicopters must constantly look out for trees, bridges, power lines, transmission towers, and other dangerous obstacles.

Regardless of the type of aircraft, all pilots must monitor warning devices that detect sudden shifts in wind patterns.

The following are occupational specialties:Airline pilots work for airline companies that transport passengers and car-go according to fi xed schedules.

Commercial pilots are involved in other fl ight activities, such as crop dust-ing, charter fl ights, and aerial photography.

Flight instructors use simulators and dual-controlled aircraft to teach stu-dents how to fl y.

Chapter 3____________Work Environment_____________________________

Pilots held about 103,500 civilian jobs in 2010. About 68 percent worked as airline pilots and 32 percent worked as commercial pilots.

In 2010, most airline pilots—about 85 percent—worked for airline compa-nies; the remainder worked for the federal government or express delivery companies.

Commercial pilots are typically employed by charter companies, private businesses, fl ight schools, and hospitals. About 9 percent of these pilots were self-employed in 2010. In 2010, the following industries employed the largest numbers of commercial pilots: Nonscheduled air transportation 31% Technical and trade schools 13% Support activities for air transportation 8% Other ambulatory health care services 6% Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 3%

Pilots are located throughout the country, and many are based near large airports.

About 62 percent of all pilots are members of a union. The fi gure is even higher for the airline industry, in which 95 percent of airline pilots are mem-bers of a union, including the Air Line Pilots Association, International, and the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations.

Pilots must learn to cope with several work-related hazards. For example, airline pilots assigned to international routes may experience jetlag. To guard against fatigue, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires

airline companies to allow pilots at least 8 hours of uninterrupted rest be-tween shifts.

Commercial pilots face other types of job hazards. Crop dusters, for ex-ample, may be exposed to toxic chemicals and seldom have the benefi t of a regular landing strip. Helicopter pilots involved in rescue operations may be required to navigate dangerous airspace. All pilots face the risk of hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to engine noise.

Although fl ying does not involve much physical effort, the mental stress of being responsible for the safety of passengers can be fatiguing. Pilots must be alert and quick to react if something goes wrong, particularly during takeoff and landing. As a result, federal law requires pilots to retire at age 65.

Work Schedules

Airline pilots fl y an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month doing nonfl ight duties. Pilots also have variable work schedules, according to which they work several days in a row followed by several days off. Flight shifts also are variable, because airline companies operate fl ights throughout the day. Flight assignments are based on senior-ity. In general, that means that pilots who have worked at the company for a long time get preferred routes.

Pilots spend a considerable amount of time away from home because fl ight assignments often involve overnight layovers—sometimes up to 3 nights a week. When pilots are away from home, the airlines provide hotel accom-modations, transportation to the airport, and an allowance for meals and other expenses.

Commercial pilots also have irregular schedules, typically fl ying between 30 hours and 90 hours each month. Because commercial pilots frequently have many nonfl ight responsibilities, they have much less free time than airline pilots. Although most commercial pilots remain near their home overnight, they may still work odd hours. Pilots for a corporate fl eet may fl y regular schedules.

Chapter 4_________________Pay_____________________________

Median annual wages, May 2010

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $103,210 Airline and Commercial Pilots $92,060 Commercial Pilots $67,500 Total, All Occupations $33,840 Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics

The median annual wage of airline pilots, copilots, and fl ight engineers was $103,210 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Among airline pilots, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $54,980 and the top 10 percent earned more than $166,400.

The median annual wage of commercial pilots was $67,500 in May 2010. Among commercial pilots, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,860 and the top 10 percent earned more than $119,650.

According to the Air Line Pilots Association, International, most airline pi-lots begin their careers at about $20,000 per year. Wages increase each year until the pilot accumulates the experience and seniority needed to become a captain. The average captain at a regional airline company earns about $55,000 per year, while the average captain at a major airline company earns about $135,000 per year.

In addition, airline pilots receive an expense allowance, or “per diem,” for every hour they are away from home, and they may earn extra pay for in-ternational fl ights. Airline pilots also are eligible for health insurance and retirement benefi ts, and their immediate families usually are entitled to free or reduced-fare fl ights.

About 62 percent of all pilots are members of a union. The fi gure is even higher for the airline industry, in which 95 percent of airline pilots are mem-bers of a union, including the Air Line Pilots Association and the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations.

In May 2010, average annual wages in industries employing the largest numbers of commercial pilots were as follows: Aerospace product and parts manufacturing $98,640 Nonscheduled air transportation $68,720 Other ambulatory health care services $64,130 Support activities for air transportation $57,550 Technical and trade schools $57,080

Airline pilots fl y an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month doing nonfl ight duties. Pilots also have variable work schedules, according to which they work several days in a row followed by several days off. Flight shifts also are variable, because airline companies operate fl ights throughout the day. Flight assignments are based on senior-ity, so more experienced pilots get preferred routes.

Pilots spend a considerable amount of time away from home because fl ight assignments often involve overnight layovers—sometimes up to 3 nights a week. When pilots are away from home, the airlines provide hotel accom-modations, transportation to the airport, and an allowance for meals and other expenses.

Commercial pilots also have irregular schedules, typically fl ying between 30 hours and 90 hours each month. Because commercial pilots frequently have many nonfl ight responsibilities, they have much less free time than airline pilots. Although most commercial pilots remain near their home overnight, they may still work odd hours. Pilots for a corporate fl eet may fl y regular schedules.

Chapter 5_________________Job Outlook_____________________________

Employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow 11 per-cent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Modest employment growth is expected as air travel gradually increases over the decade and as more travel takes place between Asia and the United States.

Job opportunities will be spread among both passenger and cargo airline companies.

However, employment growth may be tempered if airline companies raise prices to pay for higher taxes and fuel costs. Job Prospects

Most job opportunities will arise from the need to replace pilots who leave the workforce. Between 2010 and 2020, many pilots are expected to retire as they reach the required retirement age of 65. As older pilots retire and younger pilots advance, entry-level positions may open up. And the demand for fl ight instructors may increase as they are needed to train a greater num-ber of student pilots.

Job prospects should be best with regional airlines, on low-cost carriers, or in general aviation, because these segments are anticipated to grow faster than the major airlines. In addition, entry-level requirements are lower for regional and commercial jobs.

However, pilots with less than 500 fl ight hours will probably need to ac-cumulate hours as fl ight instructors or commercial pilots before qualifying for regional airline jobs.

Pilots seeking jobs at the major airlines will face strong competition be-cause those fi rms tend to attract many more applicants than the number of job openings. Applicants also will have to compete with furloughed pilots for available jobs.

Pilots with the greatest number of fl ight and instrument hours usually have the best prospects. For this reason, military and experienced pilots will have an advantage over entry-level applicants.

Chapter 6_________________________Additional Contact Information___________________________________________

For more information about pilots, visit:

Federal Aviation Administrationwww. http://www.faa.gov/

Air Line Pilots Association, Internationalhttp://www.alpa.org/

Coalition of Airline Pilots Associationshttp://www.capapilots.org/

Helicopter Association Internationalhttp://www.rotor.com/

For more information about job opportunities, contact an airline company personnel manager, browse the classifi ed section of aviation trade maga-zines, or contact companies that operate aircraft at local airports.