Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
Common Job Titles
- Airline Captain
- Captain
- First Officer (FO)
- Pilot
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onOperate fixed-wing aircraft control systems including autopilot, navigation, and hydraulic systems on scheduled air carrier routes under Federal Air Transport regulations.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate flight conditions, instrument readings, and environmental factors in real-time to ensure compliance with safety standards and air traffic control directives.Advanced
- KnowledgeAssess aircraft performance data and weather conditions using electronic flight instruments and navigation systems to make critical flight decisions.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate aircraft systems status and mechanical performance indicators through continuous monitoring of cockpit instruments and diagnostic systems.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize aeronautical knowledge of physics, mechanics, and transportation systems to troubleshoot complex in-flight technical anomalies and develop contingency responses.Advanced
- Hands-onCoordinate multi-system aircraft operations including fuel management, pressurization, and emergency systems during all phases of flight from takeoff to landing.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate crew resource management principles with operational procedures when coordinating with copilots, flight engineers, and air traffic control under time-sensitive conditions.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze flight route options and fuel requirements incorporating weather patterns, geography, and regulatory constraints to optimize flight planning.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute precisely instrument landing procedures using ILS, GPS, and ground proximity systems in low-visibility conditions while maintaining passenger safety.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for passenger safety and regulatory compliance when communicating with crew members, ground personnel, and airline operations under emergency conditions.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
99,300
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $98,560. 25th percentile: U.S. $154,360. 50th percentile: U.S. $226,600. 75th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $98,560 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $239,200+ |
| Workers on average earn | $280,570 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Transportation4.8/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Public Safety and Security3.7/5
- Mechanical3.7/5
- Geography3.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- AeroPlanner
- AirSmith FlightPrompt
- Airline Pilots Daily Aviation Log PPC
- CoPilot Flight Planning & E6B
- Document Object Model DOM Scripting
- Electronic aircraft information databases
- IFT-Pro
- MJICCS PilotLog
Tools & Equipment
- Aileron trim switches
- Airborne collision avoidance systems ACAS
- Aircraft data loaders
- Anti-skid control systems
- Attitude heading reference systems AHRS
- Autobrakes
- Automatic direction finder ADF radio systems
- Automatic landing systems