Commercial Pilot
Aviation & Flight Operations
Apply technical knowledge and skills to the flying and/or navigation of commercial passenger and cargo, agricultural, public service, corporate and rescue fixed wing aircraft.
What Commercial Pilots Do
Apply technical knowledge and skills to the flying and/or navigation of commercial passenger and cargo, agricultural, public service, corporate and rescue fixed wing aircraft.
Common Tasks
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- 1Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
- 2Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- 3Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
- 4Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
- 5Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
What You'll Learn
Types of Commercial Pilots
Work Environment
Locations
- • Airports and airline terminals
- • Airline and charter company bases
- • Corporate flight departments (hangars)
- • Air ambulance and rescue operations
- • Agricultural aviation airfields
Schedule
Schedules often include early mornings, nights, weekends, holidays, and multi-day trips, with frequent changes due to weather, maintenance, and operational demands.
Physical Demands
Work is mostly seated in the cockpit for long periods, with frequent hand use for controls and instruments. You’ll also do pre-flight walkarounds, climb steps or ladders, and handle some lifting and bending around aircraft and baggage.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 155,400 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Passenger travel and air cargo demand can increase flight schedules and the need for more pilots. Retirements and turnover also create steady openings, especially as airlines and charter operators expand routes and services.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • High earning potential, especially in airlines
- • Varied work and travel opportunities
- • Strong demand driven by retirements and ongoing openings
- • Clear advancement path from first officer to captain
- • Highly transferable skills across aviation sectors
Cons
- • Irregular hours, time away from home, and holiday/weekend work
- • High responsibility and pressure, especially during emergencies
- • Medical certification requirements and ongoing checks
- • Training and flight-hour building can be costly and time-consuming
- • Hiring can be sensitive to the economy and airline cycles
Common Questions About the Commercial Pilot Trade
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