Aircraft Pilot

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Work Tasks

• Fly airplanes and helicopters
• Plan routes where they will fly
• Check weather reports, maps, and other information before flying
• Complete records for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• May do police work, fire fighting, crop dusting, and other flying jobs
• Work for airlines, the government, and other businesses

Salary, Size & Growth

• $90,500 average per year ($43.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (98,500 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.2% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A commercial pilot's license; 18 years of age or older, in very good health, have 20/20 vision, and have no physical disabilities
• Employers Prefer: An airline transport pilot's license and a 4-year degree
• Skills/Courses: Many pilots are trained in the military. Others attend a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certified civilian flying school.
• Licensing/Certification: Pilots who are paid to move people or goods must have a commercial pilot's license from the FAA. This license requires 250 hours of flying time and you must pass written and flying tests. Airline pilots must have an airline transport pilot's license. This license requires 1500 hours of flying time and you must pass written and flying tests.