Commercial Pilots

Overview

Job Description & Duties Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-winged aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots.

• Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
• Check the flight performance of new and experimental planes.
• Perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance.
• Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
• Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.
• Supervise other crew members.

• Flyer
• Photogrammetry Airplane Pilot
• Aerial Sprayer

In the United States, there were 40,800 jobs for Commercial Pilot in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 3.7% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,500 new jobs for Commercial Pilot by 2026. The BLS estimates 4,000 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Commercial Pilot are Tennessee, Utah, and Arizona
. Watch out if you plan on working in Minnesota, Massachusetts, or Vermont
. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

The salary for Commercial Pilots ranges between about $44,660 and $160,480 a year.

Commercial Pilots who work in South Carolina, Connecticut, or Massachusetts
, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Commercial Pilots may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Office
• Air Smith Flight Prompt
• MJICCS Pilot Log
• Polaris Microsystems Aero Log Pro
• Polaris Microsystems Charter Log
• Aero Planner
• Notam Development Group Airport Insight
• Navzilla
• Pilot Navigator Software Load Balance
• Flight simulation software

What education or degrees do I need to become a Commercial Pilot?

Below are examples of industries where Commercial Pilots work:

Those interested in being a Commercial Pilot may also be interested in:

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