Find Trade Colleges

What is an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer?

Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer Example Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing, multi-engine aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport Pilot certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, National, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

Daily Life Of an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer

Load smaller aircraft, handling passenger luggage and supervising refueling.
Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.
Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.
Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.
Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance.

Featured schools near , edit

Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer Required Skills

When polled, Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Types of Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer

Astronaut
Navy Fighter Pilot
Regional Airline Pilot
Systems Navigator
Airline Pilot (Captain)

Is There Job Demand for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?

There were about 84,000 jobs for Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 3.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,900 new jobs for Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer by 2026. The BLS estimates 8,100 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer are Florida, New Jersey, and Georgia. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, West Virginia, or New Hampshire. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer Make?

The average yearly salary of an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer ranges between $65,690 and $208,000.

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers who work in Michigan, Nevada, or Oregon, make the highest salaries.

How much do Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers make in each U.S. state?

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alabama	$103,750
Alaska	$148,820
Arizona	$132,250
Arkansas	$96,690
California	$205,520
Colorado	$196,670
Connecticut	$116,930
Florida	$188,400
Illinois	$193,600
Indiana	$124,270
Iowa	$118,700
Kansas	$102,190
Louisiana	$101,010
Michigan	$233,550
Minnesota	$103,930
Mississippi	$94,760
Missouri	$123,820
Nebraska	$106,480
Nevada	$220,400
New Hampshire	$122,810
New Mexico	$163,030
New York	$108,420
North Carolina	$102,660
North Dakota	$104,660
Ohio	$119,320
Oklahoma	$107,960
Oregon	$205,660
Pennsylvania	$151,390
South Carolina	$102,990
Tennessee	$85,550
Texas	$200,320
Utah	$104,230
Washington	$237,150
West Virginia	$85,490
Wisconsin	$106,240

What Tools & Technology do Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers may use on a daily basis:

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Office
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Visio
SBS International Maestro Suite
RMS Technology Flitesoft
MJICCS PilotLog
Nimblefeet Technologies Captain’s Keeper
Electronic aircraft information databases
Polaris Microsystems CharterLog
AirSmith FlightPrompt
Skylog Services Skylog Pro
doXstor Flight Level Logbook
AeroPlanner
Notam Development Group Airport Insight
Navzilla
Pilot Navigator Software Load Balance
Polaris Microsystems AeroLog Pro

Becoming an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer

What education or degrees do I need to become an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer?

What work experience do I need to become an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer?

References:

Image Credit: Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol via U.S. Air Force photo

More about our data sources and methodologies.

TradeCollege.org provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. TradeCollege.org is a for-profit site, and the displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.