Commercial Pilots
Human Advantage 73%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.4 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
Also Known As: Advanced Air Mobility Operator (AAM Operator), Advanced Air Mobility Pilot (AAM Pilot), Advanced Air Mobility Technician (AAM Technician), Aerial Advertiser, Aerial Crop Duster, Aerial Hurricane Hunter, Aerial Sprayer, Agricultural Pilot +45 more
Core Tasks
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
- Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
- Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
- Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.
- Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.
- 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.
- Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.
- Write specified information in flight records, such as flight times, altitudes flown, and fuel consumption.
- Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control, and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.
- Perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance.
- Supervise other crew members.
- Request changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate.
- File instrument flight plans with air traffic control so that flights can be coordinated with other air traffic.
Supplemental Tasks (5)
- Rescue and evacuate injured persons.
- Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations.
- Fly with other pilots or pilot-license applicants to evaluate their proficiency.
- Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.
- Teach company regulations and procedures to other pilots.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (33)
Tools & Equipment (89)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Air & Space Transportation Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors 74% match
Zone 3
Commercial Pilots You are here
Zone 5
Natural Sciences Managers 75% match
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