Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

The work

Core tasks

1. 01Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
2. 02Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
3. 03Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
4. 04Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
5. 05Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
6. 06Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
7. 07Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
8. 08Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
9. 09Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
10. 10Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
11. 11Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.
12. 12Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading