Aviation story #3 - A Pilot's Occupational Outlook

Since we are in a class about aviation, I thought it might be interesting to learn about some careers in the field. The first career everyone thinkgs about in aviation is a pilot.

To become a pilot, you need to hire a flight instructor and begin your training. This training goes towards your pilot license, which you need in order to fly anything.

The following is the description of a commercial or airpline pilot from the Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook:

What Airline and Commercial Pilots Do

Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Airline pilots fly for airlines that transport people and cargo on a fixed schedule. Commercial pilots fly aircraft for other reasons, such as charter flights, rescue operations, firefighting, aerial photography, and aerial application, also known as crop dusting.

Work Environment

Pilots work primarily in aircraft. They may spend a considerable amount of time away from home because of overnight layovers. Many pilots have variable schedules.

How to Become an Airline or Commercial Pilot
Most airline pilots begin their careers as commercial pilots. Commercial pilots typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree. All pilots who are paid to fly must have at least a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Additionally, airline pilots must have the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Pilots may need instrument and other ratings.

Pay

In May 2012, the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $114,200. The median annual wage for commercial pilots was $73,280 in May 2012.

Job Outlook

Employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to show little or no change from 2012 to 2022. Low-cost regional airlines and nonscheduled aviation services will provide the most job opportunities. Pilots seeking jobs at the major airlines will face strong competition.

I'm thinking that the salary looks pretty attractive, but I don't think I could handle all the travel (being that it is the entire job.