A professional pilot will have the skills to navigate and fly an airplane, helicopter or other kinds of aircraft. There are many different routes that you can follow in this career, such as working for a company to transport people and/or cargo, working in rescue, aerial photography, the army, the police department or becoming a private pilot. A career in aviation can be extremely unique and rewarding, but it isn’t easy. Today, we will be taking a look at 5 things that you need to know before going into a career in aviation.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities will vary depending on the position you end up going for, but there will be a set list that will be common amongst all pilots. The main task that all pilots will need to carry out successfully is the safe flight of the aircraft they are in charge of. Other duties and responsibilities include performing aircraft inspections before and after you fly, determining any risks that could occur, selecting efficient and safe flight routes, keeping precise records for compliance reasons, communicating with personnel and agencies, and ensuring the aircraft, passengers and crew are safe.
Expected Salary
Again, the salary you will receive as a pilot will depend on your role. The average salary for an airline pilot, copilot, and flight engineer has been determined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BSL). They state that the median annual salary will be just above $140,000. People who fall in the top 10% will earn over $208,000 a year, whereas people who fall in the bottom 10% will earn over $65,000 a year. No matter where you end up or what route you decide to take, a career in aviation does guarantee a decent living wage.
Education and Training
Getting into a career in aviation isn’t easy. You will need to follow a certain set of requirements, which involve being educated, trained and licensed. When it comes to education, the majority of employees will prefer people with a bachelor’s degree, but the minimum requirement is two years in college. For training, pilots will need to attend a U.S. Aviation Administration certified flight school or train in the military. A commercial pilot’s license is required to work as a pilot, then you will need certain certifications to be an airline captain or first officer.
Skills and Abilities
Along with the education, training and licensing required to become a pilot, you will need to possess a certain set of skills and abilities. These include being a great communicator, paying attention to detail and being able to solve problems effectively. You will need to be able to work well in a team and have exceptional interpersonal skills. You should be well-organized and be able to prioritize projects and tasks. Having a professional demeanor and conducting business in a professional manner is essential at all times. You will also need to be highly adaptable.
The Work Environment
There are always jobs available for pilots, as they are in high demand. The job itself is very inviting, as it gives you a huge sense of responsibility and power and gives you an opportunity to see the world while you work. Your work schedule will be incredibly varied, so you will need to be prepared for this. Even though flying is said to be safer than driving on the roads, when something bad happens to aircraft, the results tend to be fatal. If you have a family that you need to look out for, then you should definitely look into special life insurance for private pilots.
Now you know what you need to know about this field, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s for you. If it is, then you will definitely have a very interesting, unique and secure career for the rest of your life.
