Degree Programs For Aircraft Pilots : Online And Campus Schools

Career Information

Aircraft Pilots: Career, Salary and Education Information

Career Profile: What do Pilots do?
Whether they're dusting crops, transporting packages, or flying a commercial airline internationally, aircraft pilots have a responsibility for safe, efficient flight. Working either with a co-pilot or alone, they must be able to fly safely through inclement weather and other hazards. Aircraft pilots love the thrill of flight and value the ability to travel easily through their work.

A Day in the Life of an Aircraft Pilot
Aircraft pilots are in control of the aircraft from the moment they step on board. Before the flight, they check instrumentation, controls, and other systems. Small-aircraft pilots do an outside check for components and engines, making sure that baggage or cargo is loaded correctly. Takeoff and landing are the most difficult aspects of flight and pilots must be prepared to deal with bad weather and other unexpected circumstances during flight.

Those working as commercial aircraft pilots must travel extensively, with many overnight layovers in different cities. Airlines typically provide accommodations and allowances for meals during these overnight stays. Pilot fatigue can be a factor in long international flights and the FAA requires at least 8 hours of uninterrupted rest for those making long flights.

Aircraft Pilot Training and Education
All pilots cleared to transport cargo or passengers must have a FAA-approved commercial pilot's license. Most airlines require at least 2 years of college and prefer to hire college graduates. Flight experience is another requirement and completing classes at an FAA-approved flight school can reduce the hours required.

Training and certification for aircraft pilots includes instruction on instrumentation, simulator training, and real-world flight experience. The U.S. Armed Forces has long been an important source of trained, experience pilots in the commercial field, due to the training and flight requirements.

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Aircraft Pilot Employment & Outlook
About 107,000 pilots and flight engineers were employed nationwide in 2006, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Commercial airline pilots are typically located in major metropolitan areas, particularly cities serving as major airline hubs. About 3,600 careers for commercial airline pilots are expected to be added to the field through 2016.

Employment is projected to grow 13 percent in the coming years, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Regional airlines and low-cost carriers can offer the best opportunities as they grow in popularity among consumers. Former military pilots may have an advantage among other applicants, particularly large carriers for which there is strong competition.

Typical Aircraft Pilot Salary
Mean annual wages for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers were $148,810 in 2007, the BLS reports. Those working for scheduled air transportation earned $159,180, while nonscheduled air transportation pilots earned $90,870, and those working for the federal government earned $90,860.

Source
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers