Airline and Commercial Pilots

Being an Airline and Commercial Pilot is exciting and glamorous and if you are interested in taking your career flight to become Airline and Commercial Pilot then you have to know all nitty-gritty’s. The actual process takes a long time and much dedication; it also means meeting precise requirements. It can be a fairly expensive pathway to getting a career as pilot so it’s important to realize what your training investment will be.
When we think of becoming pilots we just aspire to be commercial pilots but there are a lot of variety of business settings by which you can fulfill your aspirations such as  -U.S. military pilots, corporate pilots, regional airline pilots, independent aircraft owner/operators, and private pilot instructors.

Role of Airline and Commercial Pilots

  • Use computer skills to check weather and flight plans
  • All aircraft logs are reviewed and perform pre-flight checks
  • Oversee the push back and then taxi to the runaway
  • Contact the control tower for takeoff and arrival instructions
  • While flying, monitoring aircraft systems
  • Communicate with the FAA and the company
  • Navigate the aircraft, using cockpit instruments
  • Ensure a smooth takeoff and landing

Skills of Airline and Commercial Pilots

Communication skills: Pilots must speak clearly when conveying information to air traffic controllers. They must also listen carefully for instructions.

Detail oriented: Pilots must watch many systems at the same time. Even small changes can have significant effects, so they must constantly pay close attention to many details.

Monitoring skills: Pilots must regularly watch over gauges and dials to make sure that all systems are in working order.

Problem-solving skills: Pilots must be able to identify complex problems and figure out appropriate solutions.

Teamwork: Pilots work closely with air traffic controllers and flight dispatchers. As a result, they need to be able to coordinate actions on the basis of the feedback they receive.

Work Schedules

Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month doing nonflight duties. Pilots also have variable work schedules, according to which they work several days in a row followed by several days off. Flight shifts also are variable, because airline companies operate flights throughout the day. Flight assignments are based on seniority. Pilots spend a considerable amount of time away from home because flight assignments often involve overnight layovers-sometimes up to 3 nights a week. When pilots are away from home, the airlines provide hotel accommodations, transportation to the airport, and an allowance for meals and other expenses.

Cons of being Airline and Commercial Pilots

Flying as a career is a stressful job. A pilot's ultimate responsibility, the safety of his/her passengers and/or cargo means making a lot of personal sacrifices - constant training and evaluation, constant drug and alcohol testing, background checks, difficult hours, long days, and huge liability. Think long and hard before taking on this career. Pilots may work long hours and strange shifts, often being away from home for several days.

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)

Connect me with the Top Colleges