DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
53-2011 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Occupational Description:
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots. Excludes ?Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians? (17-3024).| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Northeast Minnesota | N/A | 0 | >$94.00/hr | N/A | $81.00/hr | $81.00/hr | $81.00/hr | $81.00/hr | $81.00/hr |
| Minnesota | 3,520 | 686 | $106,415/yr | $2,980/yr | $81,563/yr | $88,313/yr | $99,215/yr | $118,197/yr | $148,899/yr |
| U S | 84,520 | 2,198 | $178,844/yr | $6,438/yr | $75,784/yr | $101,342/yr | $150,566/yr | N/A | N/A |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change - | |
| First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers | 40 | $34.05/hr | N/A |
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | N/A | $39.45/hr | N/A |
Tasks for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Starts engines, operates controls, and pilots airplane to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plan and regulations and procedures.
- Conducts in-flight tests and evaluations, at specified altitudes, in all types of weather to determine receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.
- Holds commercial pilot's license issued by Federal Aviation Administration.
- Gives training and instruction in aircraft operations for students and other pilots.
- Plans and formulates flight activities and test schedules and prepares flight evaluation reports.
- Logs information, such as flight time, altitude flown, and fuel consumption.
- Plots flight pattern and files flight plan with appropriate officials.
- Conducts preflight checks and reads gauges to verify that fluids and pressure are at prescribed levels.
- Operates radio equipment and contacts control tower for takeoff, clearance, arrival instructions, and other information.
- Coordinates flight activities with ground-crew and air-traffic control, and informs crewmembers of flight and test procedures.
- Orders changes in fuel supply, load, route, or schedule to ensure safety of flight.
- Obtains and reviews data, such as load weight, fuel supply, weather conditions, and flight schedule.
