Occupations

1. Occupations George Canova

2. Pilot • I want to be a pilot because it would be cool to fly around the world. I would also meet a bunch of different people from different places.

3. Nature of the Work • Pilots are highly trained professionals who fly a variety of aircraft including helicopters and airplanes. They must check every instrument and part of the aircraft very thoroughly to insure a safe flight. They also plan the safest route depending on the weather in the area. If the weather is bad at the altitude the plane is flying, the pilots may change altitude for a safer, faster flight. As a pilot, there are many things to consider in making sure the passengers are as safe as possible.

4. Work Environment Most pilots have irregular schedules. They often stay overnight because they fly back the next morning, but the companies pay for all of the expenses including a breakfast. There’s not much physical stress but there is a lot of mental stress. The pilots are responsible for the lives of the people on the plane. Pilots aren’t allowed to fly for too long without at least 8 hours of sleep.

5. Education and Training • A pilots education is very important. Some companies hire people with a high school degree, but most companies only hire people with a college degree. If you complete a class at a school approved by the FAA (Federal Aviation Association) it can cut back on the flight time needed to get your pilots license.

6. Licensure and Certification • To qualify for your pilots license, you must be 18 years old and have at least 250 hours of flight time. Applicants must also pass a strict physical fitness exam to make sure they are in great physical condition. They must also have 20/20 vision.

7. Other Qualifications • Some pilots that work for airlines started as flight engineers to help them get used to the aircraft. Some smaller companies will hire a new pilot and then the pilot will get hired by the major airlines.

8. Additional certifications and Advancement • Usually advancement pilots is limited to other flying jobs. Some advance to first officer after 1-5 years. Some of them advance to Captain after 5-15 years. On small businesses they may even advance to Chief Pilot or Director of Aviation, who schedule the flights.

9. Employment • Civilian aircraft pilots and flight engineers held about 107,000 jobs in 2006. About 79,000 worked as airline pilots and the rest worked for commercial or private businesses or flight schools. Federal, State, and local governments employed pilots. A few pilots were self-employed.

10. Employment Change • Employment of aircraft pilots and flight engineers is projected to grow 13% from 2006 to 2016. New jobs will be created by the expanding need for quicker travel and by the number of planes in operation.

11. Job Prospects • Opportunities are expected to continue to be better with the regional airlines and low-cost carriers, which are growing faster than the major airlines. Opportunities with air cargo carriers also should rise because of increasing security requirements for shipping freight on passenger airlines, growth in electronic commerce, and increased demand for global freight. Business, corporate, and on-demand air taxi travel also should provide some new jobs for pilots.

12. Earnings • Earnings of aircraft pilots and flight engineers vary greatly depending whether they work as airline or commercial pilots. Earnings depend on factors such as the type, size, and maximum speed of the plane and the number of hours and miles flown. For example, pilots who fly jet aircraft usually earn higher salaries than pilots who fly turboprops. Airline pilots and flight engineers may earn extra pay for night and international flights.

13. Related Occupations • Air traffic controllers. • Air field operations specialists. • Flight attendant.

14. Credits The information in this presentation comes from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos107.htm. All rights reserved.