National
| Median wages (2008) |
$65,340 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
28,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
12,000 additional employees |
53-2012.00 - Commercial Pilots
Pilot and navigate the flight of small fixed or rotary winged aircraft, primarily for the transport of cargo and passengers. Requires Commercial Rating.
Sample of reported job titles:
Pilot, Captain, First Officer, Line Pilot, Charter Pilot, Check Airman, Flight Operations Director, Helicopter Pilot, Commercial Helicopter Pilot, EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot)
Tasks
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
- Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
- Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.
- Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.
- Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
- Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Aircraft communication systems — High frequency HF radio communication systems; On-board intercom systems; Ultra high frequency UHF radio communication systems; Very high frequency VHF radio communication systems |
| Aircraft guidance systems — Automatic direction finder ADF radio systems; Distance measuring equipment DME; Local area augmentation system LAAS receivers; Microwave landing system MLS receivers |
| Aircraft steering controls — Automatic landing systems; Mechanical nose wheel steering systems; Yaw damper systems |
| Aircraft warning systems — Airborne collision avoidance systems ACAS; Ground proximity warning systems GPWS; Portable collision avoidance systems PCAS; Traffic alert and collision avoidance system TCAS |
| Flight computer systems — Air data computers; Autopilot systems; Flight director FD systems; Stability augmentation systems SAS |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Analytical or scientific software — Pilot Navigator Software Load Balance |
| Calendar and scheduling software — SBS International Maestro Suite |
| Data base user interface and query software — Airline Pilots Daily Aviation Logs PPC; AirSmith FlightPrompt; AV8 software; Polaris Microsystems CharterLog |
| Information retrieval or search software — AeroPlanner; Notam Development Group Airport Insight |
| Route navigation software — Navzilla |
