How to Be Air Tour Pilot - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 21, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The popularity of air tour pilots has been steadily increasing due to the rise in air tourism. As more tourists look to explore different destinations by air, the need for knowledgeable and experienced air tour pilots has grown. Consequently, more pilots are taking the necessary steps to become certified and join the ranks of those able to provide this service.

The increased demand for air tour pilots has resulted in more flight schools offering specialized courses and certifications to meet the new demand. the salaries for these pilots have risen significantly as employers compete for the best-qualified personnel. All of this combined has made air tour piloting a lucrative and attractive career choice for many aspiring aviation professionals.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a commercial pilot's license. To become an air tour pilot, you will need to earn a commercial pilot's license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). You must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of 250 hours of flight experience.
Earn a medical certificate. You must obtain a medical certificate from the FAA in order to become an air tour pilot. You will need to pass a physical exam and make sure your eyesight meets the FAA's requirements.
Complete ground school. You will need to complete ground school to learn about air tour regulations and safety protocols. You will also need to pass a written knowledge test in order to become an air tour pilot.
Obtain an air tour operator certificate. You will need to obtain an air tour operator certificate from the FAA in order to fly passengers for hire. This certificate must be renewed annually and requires the completion of safety inspections and other requirements.
Get hired by an air tour company. Once you have all of the required certifications and experience, you can apply for jobs with air tour companies. Most companies will require you to have experience flying in the area where you intend to work as well as a minimum number of flight hours.

As an air tour pilot, staying up to date and capable of flying is essential. To ensure that they are knowledgeable and capable, pilots must continually stay informed of new technologies, laws, and regulations related to flying. This requires them to complete ongoing training and certification programs.

they must also keep up with weather patterns and requirements for filing flight plans. By doing so, air tour pilots can remain current on all required knowledge and skills, as well as be confident in their abilities to safely navigate the skies.

You may want to check Aerial Survey Pilot, Charter Pilot, and Air Ambulance Pilot for alternative.

Job Description

Plan and execute safe air tours for customers.
Monitor weather conditions to ensure safe flying.
Pre-flight aircraft inspections to ensure optimal performance.
Communicate with air traffic control personnel to obtain necessary clearance for routes.
Ensure proper loading and balance of cargo.
Maintain detailed aircraft logbooks and records.
Ensure all passengers are briefed on safety and emergency procedures prior to take-off.
Supervise ground crew personnel during loading and unloading of passengers and cargo.
Provide passengers with a smooth and enjoyable flight experience.
Monitor aircraft performance and make necessary adjustments during flight to ensure safety.
Perform post-flight inspections and report any necessary maintenance or repairs.
Document flight details in aircraft logbook after each flight.
Comply with all applicable regulations, procedures, and standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of relevant aviation regulations and safety procedures.
Ability to follow instructions of air traffic control (ATC).
Ability to read navigational charts and maps.
Experience in aerial navigation, including navigation aids such as GPS, radio navigation, and instrument flying.
Ability to communicate effectively with passengers and other crew members.
Knowledge of aircraft systems, performance capabilities, and emergency procedures.
Ability to assess weather conditions and adjust flight plans accordingly.
Knowledge of airspace regulations and airways.
Ability to perform pre-flight inspections and aircraft maintenance.
Ability to troubleshoot aircraft systems in-flight and on the ground.
Expertise in operating multiple types of aircraft.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

The most important skill for an air tour pilot is the ability to remain focused and organized in the cockpit. This is essential for a pilot to be able to maintain situational awareness and make accurate decisions in a complex and ever-changing environment. The ability to multi-task and keep track of multiple pieces of information at once is also essential, as it allows the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft while dealing with other variables such as weather, traffic, and communication.

a strong understanding of aircraft systems and procedures is needed to ensure safe operations. Finally, a good working knowledge of air navigation rules and regulations is critical to ensure the safety of the passengers and the general public. With these skills, an air tour pilot can confidently fly passengers on an exciting and safe journey.

Flight Instructor Pilot, Air search and Rescue Pilot, and Drone Pilot are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How long have you been an Air Tour Pilot?
What experience do you have with aircraft maintenance and inspections?
Describe a situation where you had to manage a difficult customer while in the air.
What safety procedures do you follow when flying with passengers?
What is your experience with airspace regulations and restrictions?
How do you manage communication with air traffic controllers?
Describe your experience with emergency procedures and how you react in a crisis situation.
What experience do you have with flight plans and navigation?
What do you consider to be the most important responsibility of an Air Tour Pilot?
Do you have any experience with aerial photography or videography?

Common Tools in Industry

Avionics. a collection of electronic systems and equipment used in aircraft (eg: radar)
Preflight Planning Software. software used to plan and manage flight plans (eg: ForeFlight)
Flight Tracking Software. software used to monitor the progress of aircraft in flight (eg: FlightAware)
Emergency Checklist. a set of procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency (eg: handling engine failure)
Navigation Systems. systems used to determine the position of an aircraft (eg: GPS)
Weather Reports. reports used to monitor weather conditions and forecasts (eg: METARs)
Communication Radios. radios used to communicate between aircraft and air traffic control (eg: VHF/UHF)
Flight Simulators. software and hardware used to simulate flying conditions (eg: Microsoft Flight Simulator)
Airspace Maps. maps used to identify airspace boundaries and restrictions (eg: Sectional Charts)
Air Traffic Control Protocols. protocols used to ensure safe air traffic operations (eg: ATC Clearances)

Professional Organizations to Know

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
International Council of Air Shows (ICAS)
National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
National Pilots Association (NPA)
National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)
International Association of Air Tour Operators (IAATO)
Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF)
Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC)

We also have Glider Pilot, Firefighting Pilot, and Air Traffic Controller Pilot jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Airspace. The area of airspace around an airport or airfield, within which aircraft can operate.
Aeronautical Charts. Detailed maps of the airspace that include information on airports, routes, and navigational aids.
Flight Plan. A plan that details an aircraft's route, altitude, speed, and other information.
Air Traffic Control (ATC). A complex system of communication, navigation, and surveillance used to coordinate and control the movement of aircraft in the airspace.
Visual Flight Rules (VFR). A set of rules and regulations governing the operation of aircraft under visual meteorological conditions.
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). A set of rules governing the operation of aircraft in instrument meteorological conditions.
Aviation Regulations. A set of regulations and standards that govern the operation of aircraft in a given country or region.
Weather Forecasting. The process of predicting weather conditions for a given time and place.
Aircraft Performance. The performance characteristics of a given aircraft, such as takeoff and landing distances, speed, range, and fuel consumption.
Navigation. The process of determining an aircraft's location and heading in relation to its destination or other points of reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become an Air Tour Pilot?

To become an Air Tour Pilot, you will need a Commercial Pilot Certificate with a Multi-Engine rating, along with a Flight Instructor Certificate and a minimum of 500 hours of flight time. Additionally, you must have a valid Airman Medical Certificate and complete an FAA approved Air Tour Operations course.

How many passengers can an Air Tour Pilot carry?

An Air Tour Pilot is typically permitted to carry up to six passengers.

What types of aircraft are commonly used for Air Tours?

Common aircraft used for Air Tours include turbo-prop planes, light jets and helicopters.

What is the typical salary range for an Air Tour Pilot?

The salary range for Air Tour Pilots varies depending on the employer, the experience and qualifications of the pilot, and the type of aircraft flown. However, most Air Tour Pilots make between $50,000 and $150,000 per year.