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Who is a Airline Pilot?
Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute ~ Gil Stern
A career as airline pilot is one of the most ambitious, respected, and well-paying jobs out there. An airline pilot is always in high demand therefore, a career in the aviation industry is quite promising. Navigators or flight engineers and other aircrew members are considered aviators. These professionals are also considered aviators because they are involved in operating the aircraft's navigation systems.
In the aviation industry, an airline pilot is someone who operates aircraft to transport passengers or goods from one location to another. Commercial airlines, corporations, or governments hire aviators. An airline pilot can be self-employed or work for an individual. Captain works independently and provides private transport in small aircraft or private jets. Aviation is a diverse career field with several opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
Airline Pilot in a Nutshell
Are you searching for an 'airline pilot job description'? An airline pilot or airline commander flies aircraft and helicopters to provide transportation to passengers or cargo. The airline pilot operates the engines of the aircraft and controls them to navigate and fly the airplane. The ability to learn new technologies every time and to stay up-to-date with the changes in the industry is what aviators should possess. The career as airline pilot is also one of the highest-paid professionals and the job is quite coveted.
Quick Facts for Airline Pilot
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Industry
Aviation
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Average Salary in India
₹100000
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
A career as Airline Pilot is not gender-specific. Males, females, and others can opt for careers as airline pilot. But statistics show that the profession of an airline pilot is mainly dominated by men. A career as airline pilot is not as popular among women as it is among men. No profession should be described as feminine or masculine because one individual should choose his or her profession solely based on personal abilities and talents.
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Any special needs
Yes
A career as airline pilot suits everyone, even people with special needs. An Airline pilot can use hand-operated gear to fly some airplanes that do not require rudder operation. Physical strength is important to qualify for medical tests that are important but it does not mean stopping him or her from becoming an airline pilot, he or she anyway doesn’t have to be able to run a triathlon.
Table of Contents for Airline Pilot
What is the role of Airline Pilot?
Airline pilots are responsible for transporting people, members of the military, private and commercial products, or types of cargo depending on the industry where pilots are working in. Whether the aviator will fly a helicopter or a commercial aircraft, depends on the pilot training an airline pilot specializes in. Some airline transport pilots fly planes to transport automobiles, industrial equipment, and other goods from one location to another. But the most well-known or we can say popular airline pilots are those who work for private airlines that transport passengers.
The primary responsibility of airline pilots is to operate the aircraft, but they need to perform other tasks too. Airline pilots are responsible for the safety of all crew and passengers on board while flying. A career as an airline pilot comes with serious responsibilities.
Give instructions
The role of airline pilot is to give all sorts of instructions to the passengers before, during, or after the flight. He or she also gives out instructions in case there is an emergency and has the final authority in the aircraft. Airline pilots give instructions to the crew members on board and also coordinate take-off and landing systems with crew members.
Communication
An Airline pilot career requires to contacting air control towers for takeoff and landing clearances. An airline pilot also communicates with other air vehicles to systemize movements. Communication forms an essential part of the job of an airline pilot. He or she not only communicates to the ground staff, but also to the cabin crew, and passengers. He or keeps giving the necessary information to the air traffic control and passengers.
System check
There are several technical activities that are done by airline pilots. They do the pre and post-flight checks and ensure that everything is in proper working condition. From checking and calculating the fuel required during a flight (depending on the weight carried by the aircraft and the distance to be covered). Also, if there is a malfunction in the aircraft, they try to fix it remotely and report them to the flight engineers. Airline commanders also notify the air traffic control in emergency situations, problems, and hazards.
Types of a Airline Pilot
There are several types of airline pilots. We have provided the below types of a airline pilot description with varying job titles.
Commercial and Civil Pilot: Airline pilots who are working in commercial airlines are responsible to fly an airplane for several purposes. They fly airplanes for various purposes such as rescue operations, airborne photography, putting out fires, and elevated application and for many other reasons. There are various types of commercial and civil pilots and those are discussed below:
Career as airline pilot also involves delivering parcels and packages for small and large cargo companies and known as cargo pilots. Corporate and Business Aviators generally get to fly smaller, corporate jets and turboprops for corporations, different types of businesses, and even rich and famous businessmen.
Co-Pilot: These pilots mainly are in charge of almost all the responsibilities of the flight. They take care of the flight, the team, the passengers, and also the aircraft. Co-Pilots are responsible for every single essential check that is made while or prior to flying.
Chief Pilot: The main responsibility of the chief pilots is to administrate the general operations of the aeronautics offices. This airline captain's job also includes ground staff, planning support, booking flights, and other responsibilities.
Airline Pilot: The basic responsibility in the career as airline pilot is to operate the aircraft. Airline Pilots or commercial pilots who are working in this field also check the climate and affirm flight designs before withdrawing.
Test Pilot: The responsibility of test pilots includes testing new and updated flights to ensure they are airworthy. They also test the airplane’s design, strength, and equipment, prepare written and oral reports on their expertise, and also make suggestions for improvements. Manufacturers, private businesses, defense systems, the federal government, and other aviation-related businesses require these types of pilots.
Defense Pilot: The pilots who are working in defense as military pilots get to fly the latest state-of-the-art aircraft. Military pilots get paid to train, cumulate flight hours, and get paid for active duty based on the completion of their pilot training. There are various types of defense pilots and those are discussed below:
Drone Pilot: Drone pilots are the growing and newest type of pilot career and currently, this field of new aircraft is on the rise and is being applied to everything from real estate to law administration to tourism.
What is the workplace/work environment of Airline Pilot like?
A Career as airline pilot or commercial pilot involves working with major airlines to transport passengers for vacation or goods. This is one of the reasons for the high salary of airline pilots. Every airline requires two pilots while flying and are the captain and the co-pilot, co-pilot is also known as the first officer. An airline pilot's daily job routine includes examining the airplane's equipment and checking every item off the checklist.
The co-pilot determines the airplane's route and the flying time. Business pilots fly aircraft which are usually smaller jets that are owned by several private companies. Several airline captains also work as firefighters, flying over forest fires to drop chemicals that douse flames.
Does Airline Pilot require travelling?
Likely
A career as airline pilot is a field that requires travelling and we can say that his or her job is only to fly, and not a desk job. He or she needs to travel almost every day or we can also consider that an aviator's job is to just fly. An Airline pilot does not do any kind of desk job although if we talk about the air traffic controller then we could have been told that he or she works in an office environment.
Whether a captain or co-pilot everyone is trained to fly from the very beginning of their career. He or she even gets the chance to travel to other countries because of the nature of the job. A career as airline pilot is suitable for those who are interested in travelling.
Employment Shifts
Full Time, Part Time, Hourly Basis
A career as airline pilot is one of the finest jobs in comparison to other professions. The shift timing of the airline pilot falls under a certain category. Unlike every other job, an airline pilot needs to do twenty-five hours a month, which is equal to five complete days or five sets of twenty-four hours. An Airline pilot needs to work for five days a week and get two days off and he or she works for eight hours a day. The career as captain is strenuous so he or she does not fly continuously and take days off.
Employment Nature
Contractual, Permanent
Airline pilots or more specifically the aviation industry not only influence recreation and defense but also shipping and trade. Aviators are employed by government agencies, defense organizations, and commercial airline companies. This is not a contractual or part-time job rather it is a permanent job.
Presence in Geographical Area
Urban
The number of employees is less compared to other industries, though it is one of the finest courses in the aviation domain. People from every background can opt for an aviator career for their future prospects. Candidates from metropolitan areas as well as many urban areas join this aviation industry and become pilots. This is not on the basis of the fees or the area, it solely depends on the zeal and the interest of the students to be airline pilots. Although opportunity matters but an aviation captain job is not based on the geographical area.
Time Pressure
Likely
There is a lot of time pressure on airline pilots. Airline pilots are required to work under time constraints and a stressful work environment. Airline pilots spend 25 per cent of their time flying while the rest of their time preparing for flights, writing reports, and waiting for planes to arrive.
Overtime Details
The working hours of airline pilots are generally 75 hours to 100 hours per month. Airline pilot job demands work on nights, weekends, and holidays, and may spend a lot of time away from their home base. However, even the odd working hours are already scheduled before so they’re only required to work as per their allotted time and not overtime.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 40 Hours
Airline pilots may need to extend their shifts or working time due to many reasons. The pilot job duration mainly depends on which sector the airline pilots are working in and of course on their commitment to their work. The working hours of pilot in India are atleast eight hours a day. After completion of the work, aviators spend time according to themselves. A lot of mental effort is required for the work environment.
How to become a Airline Pilot?
Steps to become a Airline Pilot
Becoming an airline pilot is a dream that takes flight enthusiasts on a journey filled with challenges, dedication, and the thrill of commanding an aircraft through the endless expanse of the heavens. This comprehensive guide unveils the strategic steps and unwavering determination required to navigate the path to becoming a skilled and accomplished airline pilot
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Airline Pilot?
There are several requirements to become an airline pilot. The major requirements to become an airline pilot include leadership quality but also having to communicate and work as part of a team. There are several skills that an aviator must possess. These skills include:
Communication Skills: Communication skill is important in almost every career but this is a skill that is much more important in an airline pilot’s career. Incorrect or incomplete communication of the chief or co-pilot can be the factor for eighty per cent of flight accidents. The airline pilot and the controller communicate with each other for clearance and provide instructions and other conditional statements.
If one wants to make a career as airline pilot he or she needs to follow the air traffic control (ATC) instructions like traffic information, radar vectors, weather, or advice in emergencies to ensure safety while flying and landing. Communicating with the passengers and co-workers on a daily basis and giving attention to their complaints provides them to polish their interpersonal skills as well.
Decision-making Skills: Situations like turbulence, can test an airline pilot's critical thinking ability, a situation where it is very common to be nervous. When airline pilots encounter obstacles or emergencies, they follow one certain checklist, to make those situations under control. The checklist contains specific procedures to overcome the obstacles. However, not every solution is explained there, so in those unexplained situations, the airline captain needs to think carefully about the obstacles and the way to overcome them. The Chief and the co-pilot need to be calm, and composed and need to keep their head cool while knowing that their one wrong decision can be a disaster. Not only making the right decision the only thing that an aviator should do but also needs to be a quick thinker.
Situational Awareness: Airline pilots should prepare themselves to appreciate everything that is going on throughout flying, controlling, and maintaining an aircraft. Airline pilots need to create a picture in their mind of the flight conditions, location, and configuration of their aircraft. Insufficient knowledge of the situation can end with fatal results such as loss of control, airspace infringement, loss of separation, or an encounter with adverse weather conditions.
Leadership Quality: Leadership is an inherent personal quality as well as a learned skill. Airline pilots must be aware of the facts of effective leadership and poor leadership. Aviators need to be well-versed in customer relationship management and standard operating procedure which are commonly known as CRM and SOP to manage the cockpit. In a flight, there should be one leader and that is the captain who leads the crew toward success in any crisis.
Mathematical Skill: Airline pilots must know the numbers for the aircraft, and also need the capability to perform arithmetic calculations mentally and also quickly on demand. Though they need to calculate in many situations these calculations are not that critical, in fact, these are basic addition and subtraction most of the time. The most important or we may say the toughest job is to calculate them really fast and accurately. Airline pilots may need to think out of the box in order to solve a problem, which is not there in their checklist.
Teamwork: Many accidents while flying were caused because of the breakdown in teamwork, where the crew members work individually than as a team. Airline pilots should communicate and cross-check each other’s work throughout the team. This cross-checking and effective communication reflect a positive impact on the level of flight safety. Without proper teamwork, the operation would not be able to function properly.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Airline Pilot?
We have mentioned below certifications that individuals may opt who want to establish a career as Airline Pilot.
Internship Availability
A lot of airline pilot internships are available in this particular field. Different companies and organizations, with appropriate abilities and competencies, employ interns. One can explore internship opportunities through the online hiring portals. The individuals get hands-on experience through aviation internships. Higher-education colleges and private airlines, therefore, provide internship opportunities. Individuals who aim at becoming an airline pilot can join a pilot school which can help them acquire an internship. After learning from an airline pilot school candidates can get an internship easily as they would fulfil the airline pilot requirements.
Career Path Progression for Airline Pilot
Co-Pilots: Co-Pilots ensure all essentials are checked before flying, under the chief pilot's supervision. Passing a test is essential to become a captain.
First Officer: The first officer is the second airline pilot of an aircraft. After the captain, the first officer is the second-in-command of the aircraft, who is the legal commander. In any event where the captain is absent then the command of the first officer will be assumed as the highest one.
Captain: The captain of an airplane has the overall responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft. The captain is also responsible for the safety of the crew members and passengers. He or she gives attention to the weather factors that affect the flight, flight regulations, and air traffic control procedures. The captain is also responsible to make the air navigational aids to provide maximum safety in the air.
Airline Pilot Jobs and Salaries
Co-Pilot
- Average Salary 100000
Job Description
Both during and prior to flight, co-pilots check every single essential. Every one of these important tests is carried out according to the Chief Pilot's direction. First, each airline pilot joins as a co-pilot and then upgrades him or herself as the captain. To become a captain, each co-pilot must give a test.
Salary Description
Co-Pilots' salaries might vary based on their skills, and experience. Co-Pilots' average salary structure is more than rupees six lakhs per annum, the initial payment could be up to six lakhs per year. Several organizations are paying higher salaries to the qualified and experienced Co-Pilots, who could earn more than 15 lakhs a year or more.
What is the job outlook for Airline Pilot?
Job opportunities arise from the requirement to fill the vacant places of retired airline pilots. It also happens when airline pilots leave the occupation permanently over the projection period organization needs more new airline pilots. The requirements at the entry level for regional airlines and non-scheduled aviation services are comparatively lower and because of that, the job prospect is better in this case. Despite having nearly eight thousand airline pilots and six hundred fifty commercial aircraft the airline industry needs more than twenty-five thousand airline pilots.
The Indian aviation industry has been facing some turbulence over the past few years. First, we came to know about Kingfisher airlines, one of the biggest airline companies in India was forced to stop its business because of the debt. And then Jet Airways also ceased all flight operations because of the bankruptcy. However, experts mentioned that the increasing number of the fleet by India’s airliners has kept the airline pilot in demand for more new airline pilots than the rate of supply can keep up.
The number of commercial airline pilot jobs is projected to increase in several industries. One of the industries in this area is air ambulance services where patients are needed to be transferred to healthcare facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions for Airline Pilot
Que. What are the working hours for a pilot?
Ans.The career as airline pilot or commercial pilot involves flying of seventy-five hours per month and work an additional one hundred and fifty hours per month performing other duties, such as checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans.
Que. What shifts do airline pilots work?
Ans.Rosters are usually made for an airline pilot or a commercial pilot to maintain a work schedule in alternate from week to week, for example, pilots will be on an early shift pattern one week, then switch to a late shift pattern the next.
Que. At what age do airline pilots have to retire?
Ans.In the career as airline pilot or commercial pilot one is required to retire at age 65 and even before they reach retirement age, on international flights a pilot aged sixty or older must be paired with a pilot under sixty.
Que. How long does it take to become a pilot?
Ans.How long is pilot school training depends on how long an aspiring aviation pilot takes to meet ATP flight school requirements. It will also answer to the question if is it hard to become a pilot?
1. How long you take to complete your 200 hours of flying.
2. Secondly, how long does it take to clear your theory exam in order to get the commercial pilot license.
The airline pilot training is not like any other degree course in a university, in commercial airline pilot school has designed the airline pilot’s course differently but it depends on how early you learn the required set of skills. Therefore, if you're wondering how long does it take to be a pilot then it is totally up to the individual at the airline pilot training school. People often wonder how hard is it to become a pilot, it entirely depends on how well they can meet these requirements in order to become an airplane pilot?
Que. How long does it take to become a pilot captain?
Ans.It depends on the airline and the individual who wants to become an airline captain.
To Captain a commercial aircraft, you must have logged at least 1,500 flight hours and hold a full Air Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL). However, in reality, most short-haul airlines require a minimum of 3,000 hours before considering any pilots for promotion.
Que. What is private pilot requirements part 141?
Ans.Three hours of basic attitude instrument training. 5 hours solo flight time in the areas of operation listed in FAR 141.
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Questions related to Airline Pilot
can a student who has less than 50 marks in physics and maths become a airline pilot .
Dear aspirant !
Hope you are doing great ! You just need to score 50% in class 12th to become eligible for pilot training course. The requirement includes that 12th should be done with PCM. You just need to score 50% in class 12th to become eligible for pilot training course. The requirement includes that 12th should be done with PCM.
So if you have marks less than fifty percent in physics and maths but overall aggregate marks is more than 50 them yes you are eligible .
For more information,visit the link ;-
Hope it helps you !!
Thanking you
Answer laterwhat shall I do to become airline pilot after doing B.sc in Aviation ??
Hello,
A bachelor's degree in aviation is not necessary to become a pilot. To become a pilot, you must enrol in a reputable flight school and pass all of your tests, including the DGCA, type rating, and ATPL.
The graduate must have finished 10+2 Science stream education with Physics and Mathematics as the primary courses as the fundamental qualifying criterion. A minimum of 50% in the 12th board test should be achieved. The requirements for minimal grades may change from one institute to the next.Graduates must complete flight training in order to become Commercial Pilots. The best place to receive this instruction is at a flying school. Flying training are really not cheap. The selecting procedure isn't simple either!
Having or not having a BSC(Aviation) degree will have no impact on your job as long as you fulfil these requirements.
Hope it helped
what shall i do to become an airline pilot after 12th from pcm??
Hello there!
Hope you are doing fine.
To become an airline pilot, you can choose any one of the following two paths after completing class 12th with PCM.
First, go to a flying school, get your license after proper training and work as a pilot.
Second,
Get a Bachelor's degree in any of these: Aviation, Aeronautical Science, Aeronautical engineering, Aerospace engineering, Avionics engineering from any good colleges/university.
After completing Bachelor's, you can go for master degree or direct work on entry level.
For more information, you can click on the given link:
https://www.careers360.com/careers/airline-pilot
Hope it helps.
Stay safe.
Best wishes.
can indian male become cabin crew in Sweden airline ?
- My name is mathish
- I am stadiying in 10th standard
- my age is 16
My aim is pilot my favorite flight name is emirates what study and what course look it
I was fail in 12 want can I do plzz tell us and my dream in airlines
Hey Alok,
Your marks cannot define what capabilities you have.I have witnessed one such incident in which one of my friend got failed in class 12 but later or with hardwork and his strong determination to do chase his dreams,he learnt Digital Marketing on his own from online course platforms and right now he is a intern in a good company in Digital Marketing field.
Never get demotivated,find out you capabilities and work on them to be a better version of you everyday.
As you have passed 10th standard , then you can do Diploma courses in computer,mechanical,electrical or civil field.These have good placements and 10th pass students can apply for these courses.
As you have cleared 10th class , you can do Diploma in Aviation course for chasing your dream in airlines.
Hope this helps
Wish you good luck
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Did you know?
Fact 1
Airline pilots are not allowed to share their food as a safety precaution.
Fact 2
Airline pilots flash the landing lights or wing inspection lights to say hello, when two planes meet in the sky, just like the bus drivers.
Fact 3
Airline pilots are prohibited from eating shellfish to prevent themselves from food poisoning.
