Occupation: Commercial Pilots

Commercial Pilots

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.

53-2012.00 | 24 tasks | 10 job titles

Reported Job Titles

(10)
  • Captain
  • Charter Pilot
  • Check Airman
  • Commercial Helicopter Pilot
  • Commercial Pilot
  • EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot)
  • First Officer
  • Helicopter Pilot
  • Line Pilot
  • Pilot

Core Tasks

(19)
  • 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.