What You Need to Know About 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.
List of Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer Job Duties
- Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.
- Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.
- Evaluate other pilots or pilot-license applicants for proficiency.
- Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.
- Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.
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Things an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Related Job Titles
- Military Pilot
- Co-Pilot
- Captain
- Airline Captain
- International First Officer
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 8,100 job openings in this field each year.

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.
Salary for an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer
The salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ranges between about $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 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 do Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers:
- 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
Learn what Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer?

Where Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
Image Credit: Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol via U.S. Air Force photo
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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