Aviation Industry FAQ
Careers
Are aviation jobs in demand?
Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook reports a need for 612,000 new pilots, 626,000 new maintenance technicians and 886,000 new cabin crew members over the next 20 years.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to increase by 6% from 2021 to 2031, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 18,100 airline and commercial pilot openings are expected each year, on average over a decade. Many of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who change occupations or leave the labor market, for example to retire.
Is aviation a good career path?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, air traffic is expected to gradually increase, meaning job prospects and opportunities for commercial and private airline pilots, aircraft manufacturers and those employed by airports are promising.
It is important to think about the future while deciding a career path. Choose a career that offers job security and growth opportunities. Every commercial airline has a central hub that requires aircraft dispatchers. Earning an FAA-accredited certification in aircraft dispatch will secure you a bright future with guaranteed pay.
What pilot makes the most money?
Airline pilots usually make the most of this when compared to other types of pilot specializations, such as rescue pilots, touring pilots, and others. There is a significant difference between the average earnings of pilots hired by regional airlines and those working for national and international airlines. Although most major airline pilots also start their careers for smaller airlines, a good record as a local airline pilot can potentially land you a job with a major airline or carrier.
How much does it really cost to become a commercial airline pilot?
Becoming a commercial airline pilot with no previous experience costs about $100,000. This includes the flight training and certification required to become a commercial multi-engine pilot, along with a flight instructor certificate.
How long does it take to become a commercial airline pilot?
You might be surprised to know that it takes only 2-3 months to get your Private Pilot Certificate. After that, it usually takes about 2 years to earn the necessary flight time to qualify to become a commercial airline pilot.
During those two years of flying, you’ll earn more certificates and gradually increase your hours. Most pilots in the United States must have 1,500 flight hours in their logbook before they have the chance to become an airline pilot.
What is airline seniority?
Most large, well-established airlines use a seniority system for their pilots, called a roster or seniority list – some very small companies and some foreign airlines do not. The following description generally pertains to US and Canadian airlines, but varies based on customs, policies, and union contractual agreements. Everything about becoming a pilot depends on seniority: what aircraft you fly, if you are a captain or first officer, monthly schedule, holidays, salary, career income, etc.
Once you’ve managed to get hired by a major airline, your career trajectory is largely determined. You are added to the bottom of the pilot seniority list, and from then on, the order of pilots in the seniority list never changes. All the opportunities available to you will be provided to you as per your seniority.
How do you earn your ATP certificate?
As of 2014, a candidate for the ATP Knowledge Test must first complete and pass the ATP Certification Training Program. The curriculum covers advanced knowledge areas and includes simulator training. Most courses last five days and cost around $5,000.
Unless otherwise exempt, you must have 1,500 hours before applying for an ATP certificate, which includes 500 hours of flight time, 100 hours of night time, 50 hours in the class of airplane for the rating, 75 hours of instrument time, and 250 hours of time as pilot in command.
What are the different types of pilot jobs?
Most pilot jobs can be organized into one of these 10 categories: Mainline Pilots, Regional and Domestic Flight Pilots, Cargo Pilots, Military Pilots, Agricultural Pilots, Government Service Pilots, Personal Pilots, Firefighter Pilots, Flight Instructor Pilots, and Test Pilots.
What are some good pilot jobs?
Here’s some good pilot jobs and their national average salary: Cargo pilot, $63,988 per year; Flight instructor, $66,373 per year; Airline transport pilot. $84,372 per year; Agricultural pilot, $84,372 per year; Ambulatory pilot, $134,630 per year; Helicopter pilot, $134,630 per year; Government service pilot, $202,180 per year; Military pilot, $202,180 per year.
What are good low-time pilot jobs?
Good low-time pilot jobs are: Pipeline and power line patrol, Aerial photography, Glider tow pilot, Banner tow pilot, Skydive pilot jobs, Ferry pilot jobs, Part 135 second in command, Aerial mapping/survey pilot, Aerial tour pilot, Traffic watch pilot, Flight instructor, or Part 135 pilot in command visual flight rules.
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Airlines
How do airlines hire pilots?
Pilots are recruited either by the airline itself through media such as LinkedIn or job sites, or candidates can apply for job postings directly. The hiring process usually includes interviews, aptitude tests, and perhaps even a simulator test that proves that the candidate can do the job.
Airlines, like most employers, review everything. Past employment, school, flight hours, background checks, community involvement, your attitude, your professionalism, it all matters. Now, the bigger issue is certainly flight hours, but that doesn’t mean other aspects aren’t important.
What are the differences between the captain and first officer?
The captain is responsible for the flight and commands it. The first officer is the second in command. They are both licensed and work as a team to fly the plane safely. It is up to the captain to decide who will be flying and who will perform non-flying duties. There may be instances where the captain determines that they don’t wish to fly due to weather or other circumstances. Some airports only allow captains to land, making this decision easier. Typically, pilots swap flight duties every other leg during the day.
Can airline pilots have tattoos?
Virtually no major commercial airlines allow their pilots to see tattoos in their uniforms, according to ATP Flight School, the country’s largest private flying academy. The Airplane Owners and Pilots Association further warns that tattoos can negatively affect airline job interviews.
Becoming a pilot is a very skilled job that involves a lot of responsibility. It is the responsibility of the pilot to bring the passengers and crew to their destination safely. Although having a tattoo does not alter a pilot’s ability to do his job safely, many people consider it unprofessional to see a tattoo.
At what speed do airliners generally travel?
A typical commercial passenger jet flies at about 400 to 500 knots, or about 460 to 575 mph, when flying at about 36,000 feet. This is approximately Mach 0.75–0.85 or in other words, about 75-85% of the speed of sound. Generally speaking, the higher the plane flies, the faster it can travel. This high speed can only be achieved at high altitudes, which is one reason commercial aircraft fly so high.
Why do most commercial aircraft fly at around 35000 ft?
The balance between operating cost and fuel efficiency is achieved around 35,000 feet, which is why commercial aircraft typically fly at this altitude. One of the main reasons commercial aircraft fly so high is air resistance. The higher you climb from the ground, the thinner the atmosphere becomes and, therefore, the less resistance to the motion of the aircraft. Another important reason commercial airlines fly at 10.6 miles is that they get more “stable” air at this altitude and usually don’t have to worry about clouds or weather events.
Can a passenger visit an airline cockpit?
For most airlines, the days when you could visit the cockpit in flight are long gone. The good news is that most of the time you can still visit before takeoff or landing by simply asking:
It never hurts to ask if you can go into the cockpit; simply be honest and explain your intention because the worst they can say is “no”. For the most part, cockpit visits are at the captain’s discretion, so it all depends on how busy the pilots are and their comfort level. If you get into the cockpit, be aware of how much of the pilots’ time you’re spending. Always ask before taking photos, as some airlines allow cockpit tours but do not allow cockpit photos.
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