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

Jan 4, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for professional pilots has been increasing rapidly due to the global expansion of air travel services and the growing use of air transportation for both passengers and cargo. As a result, there is an increased need for experienced, competent pilots who can handle the advanced aircraft systems and navigate their way through adverse weather conditions. This has resulted in many airlines and aviation schools investing in specialised pilot training programmes, including simulator sessions and flight time on actual aircrafts, to ensure that pilots are adequately prepared for their roles. Furthermore, the introduction of stricter safety regulations have also played a role in the increasing demand for more qualified pilots.

Steps How to Become

Become familiar with the requirements for becoming a professional pilot. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all pilots who wish to fly commercially must have a commercial pilot certificate. To obtain this certificate, you must have at least 250 hours of flight time, pass a written and practical exam, and a flight review.
Get your private pilot license. Before you can obtain a commercial pilot certificate, you must first get your private pilot license. To do this, you must have at least 40 hours of flight time, pass a written and practical exam, and complete a medical exam.
Obtain your instrument rating. To fly in most commercial operations, you must have an instrument rating. This rating allows you to fly in instrument conditions (e. g. low visibility) and requires the completion of an FAA-approved course and the passing of written and practical exams.
Get additional flight experience. Once you have your private pilot license, you need to accumulate additional flight time to build up to the 250 hours total required for a commercial pilot certificate. This can be done through flight instruction, flying for an airline, or by renting airplanes.
Obtain a multi-engine rating. To become a professional pilot, you must also have a multi-engine rating, which requires additional flight time and the passing of an FAA-approved course and written and practical exams.
Pass the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) exam. The ATP is the highest level of certification a pilot can obtain and is the most common certificate held by professional pilots. To obtain it, you must have at least 1,500 hours of flight time and pass an FAA-approved written exam.
Complete a type rating. Most airlines require their pilots to have a type rating in the aircraft they will be flying. A type rating requires that you take additional instruction and pass a practical exam in the aircraft's specific systems and operations.
Apply for airline jobs. After you have all the necessary qualifications, you can start applying for jobs at airlines or other commercial aviation operations. Depending on the airline, you may also be required to complete additional training or pass additional exams before you are hired.

Improving efficiency and optimizing performance is an important goal of any professional pilot. To achieve this, they must have a solid understanding of the aircraft they are flying, and be knowledgeable about the airspace they are flying in. they must also be aware of the weather conditions and any potential hazards, and plan accordingly.

Good communication and situational awareness further enable them to be proactive in anticipating potential problems and taking proactive steps to minimize risks and maximize efficiency. Finally, proper pre-flight preparation, such as reviewing checklists and familiarizing themselves with the aircraft, can go a long way towards achieving an ideal and efficient flight.

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Job Description

Flight Planning: Plan and coordinate safe, efficient flight operations. Ensure the aircraft is in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), company policies, and other applicable regulations.
Pre-Flight Checks: Perform pre-flight inspections of the aircraft and ensure that all systems are operational.
Navigation: Chart and plan flight routes and procedures. Monitor in-flight navigation instruments and systems.
Weather Monitoring: Monitor and analyze weather conditions to ensure the safety of the flight and passengers.
Communication: Communicate with air traffic control and other aircraft via radio during flights.
Flight Control: Maneuver the aircraft safely during takeoff, cruise, and landing. Monitor aircraft systems and adjust accordingly.
Emergency Procedures: Respond to in-flight emergencies, such as engine failure or bad weather, with appropriate procedures and skills.
Maintenance: Ensure that the aircraft is maintained and serviced regularly according to manufacturer guidelines.
Logging: Maintain records of flights, including flight plans, navigation logs, and other documentation.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Sound knowledge of aviation regulations and laws.
Detailed understanding of aircraft systems and operations.
Ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
Excellent communication skills.
Comprehensive knowledge of navigational systems.
Ability to perform all elements of a pre-flight check.
Excellent multitasking skills.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to read and interpret aviation charts, maps and other documents.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Knowledge of weather patterns, turbulence and wind conditions.
Proficient in the use of computers and aviation software programs.
Ability to adhere to strict safety standards and procedures.
Ability to stay calm and professional while working long hours in a noisy environment.
Understanding of aircraft maintenance requirements and performance parameters.

One of the most important skills to have as a professional pilot is situational awareness. This involves being aware of the environment you are flying in and any potential hazards or obstacles that could affect the flight. Developing situational awareness requires constantly scanning the environment and using the inputs from the aircrafts instruments, other aircraft, and weather conditions to formulate a plan for a safe and successful flight.

Good situational awareness also requires having knowledge of the terrain and airspace, understanding the regulations and procedures for the area, and anticipating potential problems before they occur. With this skill, pilots can make quick, informed decisions that can help prevent accidents and ensure the safety of their passengers.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the aviation industry?
How do you stay up to date with changes in aviation regulations and procedures?
What safety protocols do you follow when flying?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision while flying.
Describe your knowledge of aircraft systems and avionics.
How do you handle stressful situations while piloting an aircraft?
What do you believe is the most important attribute a pilot should possess?
Are there any specific types of aircraft that you are experienced with?
What challenges have you faced while flying and how did you overcome them?
Describe your experience with cross-country flying and filing flight plans.

Common Tools in Industry

Computer Software. used to create and manage documents, spreadsheets, databases and other types of digital information (e. g. Microsoft Office Suite).
Flight Planning Software. used to plan and calculate flight routes, fuel requirements, and other relevant flight data (e. g. Jeppesen FliteStar).
Navigation Devices. used to identify location, measure speed, and plot course (e. g. GPS receivers).
Avionics. used to control aircraft systems, communicate with air traffic control, detect potential hazards, and take corrective action (e. g. autopilot systems).
Weather Forecasting Equipment. used to predict and monitor weather conditions (e. g. satellite imagery).
Flight Simulators. used to train pilots in handling aircraft and responding to emergencies (e. g. Microsoft Flight Simulator).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA)
National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA)
Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Regional Airline Association (RAA)
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA)

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Common Important Terms

Pilot Certificate. An official certification issued to pilots by a national aviation authority, typically indicating that the holder has met a certain set of qualifications and is authorized to fly aircraft.
Flight Time. The amount of time spent in the air during a flight, often expressed in hours and minutes.
Instrument Rating. A qualification authorizing a pilot to fly aircraft under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Airspace. The area of airspace above a country or region that is legally regulated and controlled by the government.
Air Traffic Control (ATC). A service provided by ground-based controllers that monitors and regulates aircraft in order to maintain safe separation between them and to provide other services.
Aeronautical Chart. A graphical representation of the airspace and its physical features used for navigation and flight planning.
Weight and Balance. The calculation of an aircrafts weight and center of gravity in order to ensure that it is able to safely take off, fly, and land.
Weather Briefing. A briefing provided by a flight service station prior to a flight that includes information about current and expected weather along the route.
Aviation Regulations. Rules and regulations governing the operation of aircraft, including those issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Navigation Logs. Documents used by pilots to record their position, heading, altitude, and other important information during a flight.