What does a Pilot do?

A Pilot’s main goal is to transport aircraft along a designated route. They may carry passengers, equipment, packages and more, depending on the nature of the flight. Before takeoff, Pilots are typically responsible for crafting flight routes based on weather conditions and other safety concerns. Preflight routines also require Pilots to examine essential instruments and monitor weather conditions while familiarizing themselves with passenger rosters and the crew.

Focus is vital during every flight, as a Pilot must accurately read the aircraft’s instrumentation to ensure all gauges and systems are functioning properly. In the event of an emergency, passengers and crew look to the Pilot for guidance, making it important to be well-versed in safety responses and protocol.

Pilot skills and qualifications

A Pilot job description should highlight an array of relevant skills and qualifications. When hiring, a candidate with the following capabilities may be a good fit for the role:

• Effective communication skills, particularly in high-pressure environments
• Good leadership and situational awareness skills
• The ability to think quickly and retain good judgment in an emergency
• Strong attention to detail and reliable multitasking capabilities
• The ability to keep up with technological advancements
• Collaborative skills and a strong sense of professionalism
• Familiarity with necessary aircraft

Pilot experience requirements

Operating a plane or other aircraft is a delicate process with many variables to monitor. For this reason, employers often have strict experience requirements that prospective Pilots must adhere to. A typical requirement for Airline Pilots is a minimum of 1,500 hours of recorded flight time. This includes at least 100 night hours, 500 cross-country hours and 50 multi-engine hours.

Physical fitness is another valuable trait for Pilots, making it standard for employers to require candidates to pass medical examinations. An Airline Pilot job description may require that the candidate has passed the First Class Medical Exam conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, to prove they have the strength and stamina to excel in the role.

Pilot education and training requirements

Pilots are not typically required to hold college degrees, though a relevant degree in an aviation-related field like Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, can demonstrate a candidate’s dedication. However, all prospective Pilots are required to hold an FAA-issued license, though the type of license needed will depend on the nature of the role.

A Commercial Pilot Certificate makes a potential Pilot eligible for financial compensation. However, many employers prefer their Pilots to hold an Airline Transport Pilot license, which is the highest form of licensing issued by the FAA. For roles that require the operation of passenger planes, a Multi-Engine Rating is a necessary addition to a Pilot’s license.

Job description samples for similar positions

A Pilot job description might not be what you’re looking for. If this is the case, here are similar job description samples that may have the information you need:

• Flight Attendant
• Aerospace Engineer
• Air Traffic Controller
• Astronomer

Pilot job description FAQs

Who does a Pilot report to?

Some Pilots will report to a higher-ranking Pilot in the same aircraft. Known as the Pilot in Command, a high-ranking Pilot typically assumes the role of the Captain. The Pilot in Command reports to air traffic control during flights and usually answers to a high-ranking member of the company they are employed by.

Are there different types of Pilots?

Pilots often specialize in different forms of flight, depending on the industry they’ve trained for. While commercial Airline Transport Pilots are the sort employed at most major airlines, Cargo Pilots, Agricultural Pilots, Media Pilots and Military Pilots all carry a set of unique skills.

What should I look for when hiring a pilot?

When hiring a Pilot, extensive experience is one key qualification to look for. While a college degree may not be necessary to succeed in the role, candidates who have graduated from an FAA-authorized institution may have a greater depth of knowledge than candidates who have not.