Career Newsletter1

Commercial Airline Pilot

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September 18, 2015 Volume 1, Number 1

In This Issue Description

 Description An airline pilot's job description is to safely fly an airliner, but a pilot does
much more than just fly. A typical day may start with the pilot using computer
 Experience skills to check weather and flight plans. The plane must be pre-flighted and all
aircraft logs reviewed. When ready, the pilot will oversee the push-back and
 Education then taxi to the runaway. While flying, in addition to monitoring aircraft
systems, the pilot must communicate with the FAA and the company. Pilots
 Training may work long hours and strange shifts, often being away from home for
Necessary several days.

 Georgia and Experience
National
Salary  Be at least 18 years of age.
Section
 Be able to read, speak, write and
 Tasks understand the English language.

 Important  Hold at least a private pilot certificate.
Abilities
 Meet the aeronautical experience
 Three Related requirements of this section that apply
Careers to the aircraft category and class rating
Section sought.

 Institutions  Pass the knowledge test.

 Relevant  Pass the practical test.
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Education

Most companies require commercial airline pilots to have a bachelor's degree in
any subject; however, many prospective commercial airline pilots major in fields
such as aviation and aerospace engineering. Commercial airline pilots must record
thousands of 'flight hours' while training in flying various types of aircraft. Many
commercial airline pilots have a military background, but private flight schools
approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are also an option.

Training Necessary

Graduates of a private pilot certification program may go on to complete a
commercial pilot training course which allows them to fly for a commercial
airline. The course requires between 100 and 250 hours of flight training,
depending on whether the school is FAA-approved. Both a written and oral exam
is required, as well as a flight test. A medical certificate issued by an FAA

medical examiner is also required for commercial pilots.

Georgia and National Salary
Section

National average salary- $118,140
Average section in Georgia- $121,914

Tasks

Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and
other systems are functioning properly.

Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.

Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and
smoothest flights.

Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures,
plane weights, and wind speeds and directions
in order to calculate the speed needed to
become airborne.

Contact control towers for takeoff clearances,
arrival instructions, and other information,
using radio equipment.

Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air-traffic control, and inform crew
members of flight and test procedures.

Important Abilities

 Problem solving skills
 Integrity
 Ability to function successfully when under pressure

Related Careers

 Air cabin crew
 Aerospace engineer
 Air traffic controller

Institutions

Clarkson university
MIT
Auburn university
Baylor University
New England Institute of Technology