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When the
subject of airline careers is discussed,
the first job that usually comes to mind
is the airline pilot. This shouldn't be
surprising, as the coveted cap and stripes
we often associate with the pilot uniform
is symbolic of this exciting aviation career
path.
Flying for a Living
Roughly 60 percent of all pilots are employed
by commercial airlines. They are often associated
with flying large passenger jets hauling
hundreds of people aboard. The truth is
you'll also find many carrier pilots flying
smaller jets and turboprop aircraft. The
emergence of smaller 50-100 seat fuel-efficient
regional jets is slowly phasing out the
turboprop fleet. However, small feeder airlines
will continue to rely on turboprops for
some time to come. These slower aircraft
are often their best resource for serving
rural communities that lack the airport
infrastructure required by larger jets.
Commercial pilots find themselves in
a different time zone, climate, and culture
every day. Those with seniority enjoy traveling
to exotic locales and flying top-of-the-line
aircraft. Yes, the job of an airplane pilot
carries considerable charm and prestige
but also much responsibility and some risk.
Pilots literally have the lives of their
passengers in their hands. The physical
and mental demands are rigorous. The ability
to remain calm under pressure and having
perfect vision, hearing, and coordination
are crucial requirements. Even when the
automatic pilot is engaged, it is the captain's
responsibility to remain alert for any mechanical,
meteorological or passenger-related problems
that may occur.
With the prestige comes significantly
more responsibility and a better pay scale.
In fact, the average pay range for pilots
is about $18,000 for new pilots up to $200,000
or so on the top end. The median salary
is approximately $70,000. We suggest you
visit Avjobs'
Aviation Career Salary Ranges page,
which lists typical salaries by job category.
Paying Your Dues
At least two years of college is suggested
for those interested in this profession.
FAA-certified military and civilian flying
schools provide practical and classroom
training and some colleges and universities
offer flight degrees and credit for pilot
training.
After training, those who aspire to fly
in the coveted left seat of a heavy jet
must first pay their dues by building the
all-too-necessary flight experience. There
are several ways to do so, but the most
common methods are flight instructing and
charter flying. The work is not glamorous
with long days, demanding schedules and
low pay all part of the routine. Remember,
seniority rules in this profession so don't
lose focus and keep building those flight
hours!
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Applicants for the commercial
airplane pilot's license must have 250 hours
of flying time and successfully complete
rigorous testing, including a physical examination;
a written test given by the FAA; and a practical
flight test. Airline captains must also
have an airline transport pilot's license
(ATP), which requires a minimum of 1,500
hours of flight time including substantial
instrument time. Some pilots start out as
flight engineers (for the few aircraft that
still require them), a position which usually
requires 500 to 1,000 hours of flying time.
In addition to an instrument rating by the
FAA, flight engineers obtain restricted
radio telephone operators' permits from
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Associated Careers
Although labor issues do have their effect
on airline pilots, all in all, most would
probably say they were satisfied with their
jobs. This is probably why any stay remain
in them until furloughed (a common practice
in the industry) or forced to retire at
age 60 (a new rule will increase that age
to 65). However, the instability of the
airline industry forces some commercial
aviators to work another flying job (such
as flight instructing or charter work) or
perhaps open a side business. When these
pilots do stop flying airplanes, they often
make career moves including working as executives
for airlines, going into private enterprise,
opening flying schools, operating charter
services, or brokering aircraft. Many retired
airline pilots enter the commercial aviation
training market as ground and simulator-based
flight instructors.
See What It's All
About
There is much more to an airline pilot's
job and you can read all about it
here. Avjobs members can also access
the
Quick Start Job Search database to see
who's currently hiring airline pilots.
In addition, we invite you
to experience the day in the life of an
airline pilot via streaming video. We invite
you to click on the video screen to join
an Air New Zealand captain and first officer
as they begin their day's journey in the
briefing room. Buckle up!
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