What is an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer?
Job Description & Duties 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.
Life As an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer: What Do They Do?
- Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
- Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
- Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.
- Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
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Qualities of an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer
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
- Commuter Pilot
- Airplane Pilot
- Commercial Pilot
- Charter Pilot
- Jet Pilot
Job Demand for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
In the United States, there were 84,000 jobs for Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer in 2016. 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 typical yearly salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is somewhere 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 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?
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
How to Become an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer
What kind of Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Sector
Below are examples of industries where Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers 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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