What does a Pilot do?
Pilots transport, people, military, private goods, commercial products, and other types of cargo including mail on airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Pilots work for a specific airline, the military, or as independents or with private aviation companies. They are often part of a flight crew with a captain and a first officer or copilot. The trio works together to fly and navigate the aircraft safely.
Pilots perform regular inspections of the aircraft, paying attention to factors including fuel, equipment, and aircraft navigation systems. Pilots operate aircraft safely and maintain professionalism at all times. They monitor weather conditions and communicate with air traffic controllers throughout the duration of the flight and stay in close communication with copilots and flight crew. Pilots update and reassure passengers and crew should an emergency arise, and they determine the safest routes when they analyze flight plans prior to takeoff. Pilots must anticipate potential issues and maintain professionalism when emergencies arise, and they remain up-to-date with aircraft advancements and equipment. Pilots need a bachelor's degree in aircraft operations, aviation, aeronautical engineer in, or related fields; pilots also must complete two months of ground training and are required to complete more than 1500 hours of flight experience.
- Assist with synthetic tactical training scenarios for advanced aircrew training and white force scenario management.
- Provide planning, briefing execution, debriefing and after action activities.
- Facilitate the daily execution of large force employment and small team events.
- To accomplish these unit training requirements he/she will develop the executable Computer Generated Forces (CGF) scenarios, mission materials and briefs for the diverse aircrew training audience.
- He/she will assist directors in regulating the flow of timely inject throughout the training event.
- Certification in aviation or aeronautics and requisite flight training.
- Experience with applicable software and systems such as R Language, C, or ROTOR.
- Completion of trainings and exercises and demonstrated attention to detail.
- Is a professional at all times with an eye on continuous improvement.
How much does a Pilot make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$83,668
/ yrPilot Career Path
Learn how to become a Pilot, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Pilot Insights
PIA“It was my dream to join the airline and travel the world plus good salary package”
“Pay is not the best if scheduled flights are spaced a good period of time apart.”
British Airways“Not as good as other career airlines in terms of monetary package when Inc bonus etc and housing.”
Horizon Air“By far the best training department among regional airlines and sharpest schedulers in the industry.”
Magna Service Agency“They enjoy swinging wildly back and forth between paper check and direct deposit and it’s rarely ever paid on the same day.”
Silverhawk Aviation“No Loyalty to current pilots QOL and career goals and what they see flying the line.”
JetBlue“great people to work with the pilot group is one of the best out there!”
Out of the blue“Still ok i like experience time well spent good pay doing what i love good weather.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Pilot
When working as a Pilot, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Part 121, Master of towing, Part 91, English, and IFR.
- Captain
- Helicopter Pilot
- Flight Instructor
- General Manager
The most common qualifications to become a Pilot include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.