Fresh Profile: Airline Pilot Jobs

Published on 2008-08-27

Airline pilots are trained professionals who fly airplanes in order to transport passengers and cargo. While the position is considered one of the more glamorous airline careers, pilots undergo some of the strictest physical and mental requirements in the industry. In addition to enduring long hours and overnight flights and being responsible for hundreds of lives, a pilot must remain calm and alert at all times.

Airline pilot jobs consist of the captain, co-pilot (a.k.a. first officer) and flight engineer. The captain is in charge of the safety of the crew, passengers and cargo, and has the final word on all aspects of the flight. The captain and the co-pilot typically take turns flying and landing each leg of the flight. Most planes require only two pilots; however, some larger aircraft may need a flight engineer. The flight engineer assists the pilot with instruments, systems, repairs, and issues with the crew; however, job vacancies for this position are dwindling because of new computerized controls.

Pilots with airline jobs have a variety of duties when preparing for departure, flying, and landing. Before departure, a pilot will inspect the aircraft to make sure all systems are working properly. Systems include the engines, controls, and instruments. Pilots also check that the baggage has been properly loaded. Pilots are responsible for choosing a route, altitude and speed for each flight, based on the weather conditions. The pilot may decide to change the altitude if the flight becomes too rough or if it's necessary to find a stronger tailwind to gain speed and save fuel.

To qualify for airline employment, all pilots must be licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and possess 250 hours of flight experience. Flight experience can be attained by flying with the U.S. Armed Forces, at flight schools, or by taking lessons from FAA-certified instructors. In order to fly in times of low visibility, a pilot must also be rated by the FAA to fly with instruments, which requires extra hours of experience.

In addition to these requirements, pilots also undergo several tests to prove they are physically and mentally able to fly a plane. A pilot must meet the highest standards for vision, hearing, equilibrium and overall physical condition. A pilot cannot have any nervous diseases or mental disorders, and must have an extremely good health history.

Airline pilot job openings are found at major metropolitan airports or airports operating as centers for the major airlines. Cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Atlanta are some examples of the major cities that provide airline jobs for pilots. Aviation employment for pilots will be competitive at the major airlines, particularly in times of layoffs and rising fuel costs.

Whether you're looking for California airline jobs or other aviation jobs in Florida, Texas or anywhere else in the U.S., Fresho.com has the tools you need to find them. Visit our Airlines section to find employment opportunities in your state.