Charter Pilot vs. Airline Pilot: What Are the Differences?

Charter pilots and airline pilots are both professional pilots who fly passengers and cargo. Though both positions have similarities, there are several key differences between the two. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between charter and airline pilots, and we provide helpful tips for those interested in becoming a professional pilot.

What is a Charter Pilot?

Charter Pilots fly aircrafts for charter companies or private individuals. They are responsible for the safety of their passengers and the aircraft. They plan and execute flights, following all necessary safety procedures. Charter Pilots typically fly smaller aircrafts than those used by commercial airlines. They may transport passengers or cargo, or both. Charter Pilots typically have a set schedule, but may be required to be on call for last-minute or emergency flights.

What is an Airline Pilot?

Airline Pilots are responsible for flying passengers and cargo on scheduled flights. They operate the aircraft, perform pre-flight checks, maintain communication with air traffic control, and monitor the aircraft’s systems during the flight. Airline Pilots must have a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and they must also meet the physical and mental requirements set by the FAA. Most Airline Pilots have a bachelor’s degree in aviation or a related field, and they must have completed flight training from an FAA-approved school.

Charter Pilot vs. Airline Pilot

Here are the main differences between a charter pilot and an airline pilot.

Job Duties

Both charter and airline pilots take flight reservations from passengers, but the airline pilot may also handle customer service issues that arise during a flight. An airline pilot also communicates with air traffic control to ensure their flight travels safely and follows proper flying regulations. They may also perform maintenance on an aircraft before takeoff and communicate with engineers if there are mechanical issues while in flight.

Charter pilots often work with customers who have varying levels of experience with aviation. They may provide training or customer service support for these customers. Additionally, charter pilots may schedule flights around weather conditions and make adjustments as needed to ensure a smooth flight. They may also monitor aircraft systems and perform pre-flight checks before takeoff.

Job Requirements

Charter pilots typically need a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which requires at least 250 hours of flight time. They must also pass a written exam and a physical examination. Some charter companies may require additional training, such as simulator training.

Airline pilots must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, although some airlines may accept candidates with an associate degree. They must also have a commercial pilot’s license and an instrument rating, which allows them to fly in adverse weather conditions. Airline pilots must also have 1,500 hours of flight experience before they can be hired by an airline.

Work Environment

Airline pilots typically work for airlines, which means they travel frequently and may spend time away from home. Charter pilots often work for private companies or individuals who need transportation services. This can mean that charter pilots have more opportunities to fly in different locations than airline pilots.

Airline pilots usually work full-time hours during the week and overtime on weekends. They also work irregular shifts, including nights and holidays. Charter pilots may work similar hours but with fewer overtime hours.

Skills

Both charter pilots and airline pilots use a variety of skills while on the job. Both need to be able to fly the aircraft, which requires excellent hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. They also both need to be able to navigate the aircraft using maps and other tools, and communicate with air traffic control.

Charter pilots may need to have customer service skills as they interact with passengers and answer any questions they have about the flight. They also may need to be able to sell the charter services of their company to potential customers. Airline pilots typically do not need to have strong customer service skills, as they are not typically interacting with passengers during the flight.

Airline pilots usually fly scheduled flights and follow a specific route, while charter pilots may fly different routes depending on the needs of their passengers. Charter pilots may need to be able to make decisions quickly in order to accommodate changes in plans, while airline pilots typically stick to a more set schedule.

Salary

Airline pilots earn an average salary of $96,538 per year, while charter pilots earn an average salary of $85,101 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the type of aircraft you fly, the number of hours you fly and the location of your job.