Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

What you'd actually do

• Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
• Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
• Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
• Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
• Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
• Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; time pressure is a real part of the job; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and take-charge.

Related careers

• Commercial Pilots
• Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
• Locomotive Engineers
• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Flight Attendants

Quick questions

How much does a airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineer make?

The median pay is $108.94 per hour — roughly $226,500 a year. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineer?

The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

What does a airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineer actually do all day?

Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor. Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures. Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.