Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Core Tasks

1. Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
2. Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
3. Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
4. Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
5. Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
6. Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
7. Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
8. Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
9. Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
10. Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
11. Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.
12. Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
13. Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities.
14. Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.
15. Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights.
16. Record in log books information, such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.
17. Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.
18. Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.

Technology & Tools

Related Occupations

Compare skills gap with any of these related roles.