Commercial pilots operate aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, such as charter flights, air taxi services, aerial tours, and aerial application. They typically perform the following duties: 1. Ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. 2. Conduct pre-flight checks of aircraft systems. 3. File flight plans with air traffic control. 4. Navigate using charts and instruments. 5. Communicate with air traffic control during flight. 6. Monitor aircraft systems during flight. 7. Manage emergencies or unexpected situations. 8. Calculate fuel requirements and monitor fuel consumption. 9. Brief passengers on safety procedures. 10. Prepare reports documenting flight activities. Commercial pilots need a commercial pilot's license, along with specific ratings for the type of aircraft they will be flying. They must also meet medical and experience requirements set by aviation regulatory authorities.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $52,770.00 |
25th percentile | $62,120.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $82,100.00 |
75th percentile | $127,240.00 |
90th percentile | $166,550.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | - |
25th percentile | - |
median (50th percentile) | - |
75th percentile | - |
90th percentile | - |
To become a Commercial Pilot, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, although some employers may prefer candidates with college education. Commercial Pilots must obtain a commercial pilot's license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This requires a minimum of 250 hours of flight time, in addition to passing written and practical tests. They also need specific ratings for the type of aircraft they will be flying, such as single-engine or multi-engine airplanes. Continuing education and periodic medical evaluations are necessary to maintain licensure. Training for Commercial Pilots involves classroom instruction on topics like aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and FAA regulations. Additionally, aspiring pilots gain hands-on experience through flight simulators and actual flight training. They start with private pilot training, then progress to more advanced instruction focusing on commercial aviation requirements. This training covers various maneuvers, emergency procedures, navigation techniques, and operational practices specific to commercial flying, culminating in the successful completion of check rides and examinations to obtain their commercial pilot's license.