Airline Pilot

Common tasks

• Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
• Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
• Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
• Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
• Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
• Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
• Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
• Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
• Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
• Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.

Most important skills

Operation and Control

Using equipment or systems.

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.

Monitoring

Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.

Critical Thinking

Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

Active Listening

Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

Judgment and Decision Making

Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.

Time Management

Managing your time and the time of other people.

Reading Comprehension

Reading work-related information.