Aircraft Pilot
(Student and Teacher
in a flight simulator)
in a flight simulator)
Aircraft Pilots are highly trained professionals who fly airplanes and helicopters for a living. They are required to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (or F.A.A.) and the F.A.A. also requires a maximum to the amount of hours that a pilot can fly a month/year. These certifications and regulations are made by the F.A.A. to keep flying safe and prevent accidents.
Most pilots are Airline Pilots, Co-pilots, and Flight Engineers. Airline pilots and co-pilots are responsible for flying the aircraft, communicating with Air Traffic controllers, and monitoring instruments. If an aircraft is large enough, a flight engineer assists the other pilots by monitoring and operating the instruments and systems on the aircraft. These pilots mostly transport passengers and cargo around the world.
1 in 5 pilots is a Commercial Pilot performs more unusual tasks. They are flying instructors, monitoring traffic, testing new aircraft, fighting fires, tracking criminals, rescuing and evacuating people in trouble, flying passengers and cargo to remote locations, dusting crops, or reseeding forests.
Our Flight Operations and Management Program prepares students for a career as an Aircraft Pilot. The program includes a Private and Commercial Certificate as well as its Instrument rating, all approved by the FAA. See our program's page for details.
Related Links
- Bureau of Labor Statistics,
U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition,
Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos107.htm - California Employment Development Department,
California Occupational Guide #290,
Aircraft Pilots (2002)
on the Internet at http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/AIRPILOT.HTM - Federal Aviation Administration,
Pilot Topics,
on the Internet at http://www.faa.gov/pilots/