Life As an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer

Example of Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer Job 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.

What Do Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Do On a Daily Basis?

• Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.
• Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.
• Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights.
• Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
• Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
• Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.

Qualities of an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

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

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

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Military Pilot
• Executive Pilot
• Charter Pilot
• International First Officer
• Pilot

Job Opportunities for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 84,000 jobs in the United States for Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer. 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.

Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer Average Salary

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers make between $65,690 and $208,000 a year.

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 different U.S. states?

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 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
• AirSmith FlightPrompt
• Electronic aircraft information databases
• MJICCS PilotLog
• Nimblefeet Technologies Captain’s Keeper
• Polaris Microsystems AeroLog Pro
• Polaris Microsystems CharterLog
• RMS Technology Flitesoft
• Skylog Services Skylog Pro
• doXstor Flight Level Logbook
• AeroPlanner
• Notam Development Group Airport Insight
• Navzilla
• Pilot Navigator Software Load Balance

How do I Become an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer?

What education is needed to be an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Work

The table below shows the approximate number of Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers employed by various industries.

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.