Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Medium52.34%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$101,710
Median$219,140
High (90th %)$--
AI Prompt Guides for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Unlock expert prompt guides tailored for this Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers. Get strategies to boost your productivity and results with AI.
AI Prompt Tool for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Experiment with and customize AI prompts designed for this occupation. Try, edit, and save prompts for your workflow.
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.
The occupation "Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers" has an automation risk of 52.3%, which closely aligns with its base risk of 53.1%. This moderately high risk suggests that much of the technical and operational work associated with flying an aircraft is subject to some degree of automation. Key tasks that are most automatable include using instrumentation to guide flights—especially when visibility is poor—starting engines and operating controls according to set flight plans, and working collaboratively with other crew members during critical flight phases like takeoffs and landings. Modern advancements in avionics and autopilot systems have increasingly taken over these functions, making them prime candidates for further automation. Despite this potential for automation, several essential aspects of the job remain resistant to full automation. For instance, planning and formulating flight activities, designing test schedules, and preparing detailed flight evaluation reports require human judgment, situational awareness, and the ability to analyze nuanced conditions that automated systems are currently ill-equipped to handle. Additionally, evaluating other pilots or license applicants for proficiency relies on human discernment, experience, and the capacity to make subjective assessments. The task of performing minor maintenance work or arranging for major maintenance also resists automation because it often involves issue identification, coordination, and decision-making regarding safety-critical components. The persistence of human involvement in this occupation is further supported by the requirement for bottleneck skills like originality, with assessed levels of 2.9% and 3.0%. These low values indicate that while some creativity and novel problem-solving are involved, they are not the dominant skills for the occupation, contributing to its moderate, rather than high, automation risk. Still, the need for pilots to adapt to unexpected events, make real-time decisions, and ensure overall safety complicates wholesale automation. In conclusion, while many routine operational tasks of piloting are increasingly automatable, the broader role retains an essential human component, balancing the overall risk level.
Filter by Automatable Status
Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
Partially Automatable
Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
Non-Automatable
Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
Partially Automatable
Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
Partially Automatable
Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
Partially Automatable
Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
Automatable
Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
Automatable
Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
Partially Automatable
Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.
Partially Automatable
Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
Partially Automatable
Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities.
Partially Automatable
Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.
Partially Automatable
Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights.
Partially Automatable
Record in log books information, such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.
Automatable
Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.
Automatable
Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.
Partially Automatable
File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic.
Partially Automatable
Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate other pilots or pilot-license applicants for proficiency.
Partially Automatable
Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.
Partially Automatable
Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.
Non-Automatable
Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
Partially Automatable
Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
Partially Automatable
Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationMathematicsScienceActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyFine ArtsDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingHistory and Archeology
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical Activities
Microsoft VisioDocument Object Model DOM ScriptingAeroPlannerAirline Pilots Daily Aviation Log PPCAirSmith FlightPromptCoPilot Flight Planning & E6BMicrosoft WorddoXstor Flight Level LogbookElectronic aircraft information databasesIFT-ProMJICCS PilotLogNavzillaNimblefeet Technologies Captain's KeeperNotam Development Group Airport InsightPilot Navigator Software Load BalancePolaris Microsystems AeroLog ProPolaris Microsystems CharterLogRMS Technology FlitesoftSBS International Maestro SuiteSkylog Services Skylog ProMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft VisioDocument Object Model DOM ScriptingAeroPlannerMicrosoft PowerPointAirline Pilots Daily Aviation Log PPCAirSmith FlightPromptCoPilot Flight Planning & E6BdoXstor Flight Level LogbookElectronic aircraft information databasesIFT-ProMJICCS PilotLogNavzillaNimblefeet Technologies Captain's KeeperNotam Development Group Airport InsightPilot Navigator Software Load BalancePolaris Microsystems AeroLog ProPolaris Microsystems CharterLogRMS Technology FlitesoftSBS International Maestro SuiteSkylog Services Skylog ProMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word
Aerospace Engineers
Medium49.06%
Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Medium35.83%
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Avionics Technicians
Low28.44%
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Low23.99%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Medium61.58%
Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.
First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
Medium50.00%
Supervise and coordinate activities of passenger attendants.
Commercial Pilots
Medium45.15%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing 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. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
Air Traffic Controllers
Medium54.48%
Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.
Airfield Operations Specialists
Medium55.65%
Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.
Flight Attendants
Medium45.42%
Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.
Locomotive Engineers
Medium54.80%
Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Medium40.83%
Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Medium56.73%
Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.
Sailors and Marine Oilers
Low31.77%
Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Medium46.86%
Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
Motorboat Operators
Medium33.94%
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Ship Engineers
Medium39.11%
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
Aircraft Service Attendants
Low22.22%
Service aircraft with fuel. May de-ice aircraft, refill water and cooling agents, empty sewage tanks, service air and oxygen systems, or clean and polish exterior.
Transportation Inspectors
Medium58.03%
Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
Aviation Inspectors
Medium49.28%
Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.