More About Professional Flight

by Willette Francis

A career in professional flight is full of great employment opportunities. Whether you decide to pursue education and training to become a commercial pilot or airline pilot, there's a world of excitement waiting for you. If you're looking to travel the world and see different places, then professional flight is your ticket to a lifetime of adventure in the sky.

What does a pilot do?
Pilots are needed to carry out a multitude of tasks for many industries, from the transportation of passengers to cargo. Commercial pilots dust crops, spread seeds, and transport passengers and goods to remote areas, as well as perform a host of other assignments.
Before every flight, pilots plan carefully, check the aircraft equipment, and ensure that the baggage or cargo is loaded correctly. They constantly communicate with flight dispatchers and aviation weather forecasters regarding weather conditions that may arise during the flight. They use this information to provide the safest and smoothest flight possible. The hardest part of the pilot's job is take-off and landing. This must be coordinated by two pilots - one concentrates on the runway while the other focuses on the instrument panel. They take into consideration speed, airport altitude, temperature, weight of the plane, wind speed, and direction.

During flights, the pilot keeps to the route that they plan and are monitored by air traffic control stations along the way. Pilots continuously monitor the fuel supply, engines, and other systems on the aircraft via the instrument panel. They also have to keep a watchful eye for warning devices which detect changes in wind conditions. When visibility is poor, pilots have to use their instruments to determine how high above the ground they are and if it is safe to fly over mountains and obstacles.
Once a flight is complete, pilots record information about their flight and the aircraft maintenance status for their employer and the FAA. Pilots may have additional non-flying duties but this varies among employers.

How much do pilots get paid and what kinds of pilot jobs can I get?
The pay varies among airline pilots and commercial pilots. Factors such as size, speed, and type of plane determine earnings, as well as hours and miles flown. Those who fly jet aircrafts earn more than pilots who fly turboprops. Extra pay can also be earned from flying night and international flights.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2008 airline pilots, co-pilots, and flight engineers earned a median salary of $119,750, and commercial pilots earned a median salary of $75,500. In addition to annual salary, pilots receive benefits packages that include life and health insurance, retirement, expense allowance for every hour they spend away from home, and free or reduced fare for themselves and their families.

Employment for the professional flight industry is expected to grow by 13 percent between 2006 and 2016. The best job opportunities are with regional and low-cost carriers who are experiencing more growth than major airlines. Opportunities will also be available with air cargo carriers and in air taxi travel. Flight professionals are employed as aircraft pilots, flight engineers, airline pilots, co-pilots, and commercial pilots.