Airline Pilot Job Position

Airline Pilot Job Description & Salary Information

Many different kinds of jobs are available to licensed pilots. Pilots can find work flying a variety of aircraft and in a variety of industries. This article will focus on the job description and requirements to become a commercial airline pilot.

Duties and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of an airline pilot are daunting. For this reason, commercial airline pilots tend to be compensated more for their time and efforts than others in the aviation field. The pilot must operate under stressful conditions and be able to think clearly for long periods of time. In fact, the job of an airline pilot begins well before entering the cockpit. Pilots must report to the airport ahead of time to check the weather, plan the flight, and collaborate with the co-pilot and other flight personnel. Once on the plane, the pilot makes all of the decisions and is responsible for the safety of the flight crew, passengers, and cargo. The pilot is also accountable for the safety and proper functioning of the plane which is a vital asset to the airline. Pilots must maintain a professional appearance and wear a uniform. A pilot’s behavior must also be professional and appropriate in order to deserve the trust of the passengers and crew.

Qualifications and Certification
Candidates usually need a four-year college degree in order to become a commercial airline pilot; however, experience is key and flight experience is arguably more valuable than classroom experience. Military service is another viable option in order to become a capable and certified pilot. Pilots working in other, non-commercial areas may consider seeking out the proper certification to become a commercial airline pilot. In any event, pilots must undergo a great deal of training with an instructor, pass several examinations, become FAA certified, and maintain top-notch physical and mental conditioning. Even after licensure and medical certification, pilots must continue to take training courses and pass physical examinations.

As far as physical strain is concerned, pilots tend to work long hours and mental focus is important. The ability to concentrate and stay alert is imperative to success as a pilot. Pilots must also have good interpersonal and speaking skills as they have to interact with members of the flight crew, communicate with air traffic controllers, and make frequent announcements to the aircraft’s passengers.

Salary & Compensation
Salaries vary largely depending on airline and pilot experience, but the national average salary for a commercial airline pilot stands at $100,000 to 120,000 per year. In addition, most major airlines offer extensive benefit packages, including healthcare coverage, 401(k) plans, paid time off, and air travel perks.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a pilot, copilot, or flight engineer as of 2010 is $115,300. Average salaries were higher in Texas ($122,660), Illinois ($116,000), California ($117,210), New York ($142,390), and Kentucky ($138,670). The top-paying metro areas for airline pilot jobs include: