Life As an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer
Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer Job Description 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
- Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.
- File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic.
- Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
- Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.
- Load smaller aircraft, handling passenger luggage and supervising refueling.
- Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
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What Every Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers say are important on the job.
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
- First Officer
- Airline Pilot (Captain)
- Captain/Check Airman
- Aircraft Captain
- Airline Pilot/First Officer
Job Opportunities 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.
What is the Average Salary of 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 & Technology 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 do I Become 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?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Sector
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers work in the following industries:
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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