A commercial pilot is a certified professional who is paid to operate an aircraft. The defining characteristic of this career is holding a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), the legal qualification permitting an individual to receive compensation for flying services. This license distinguishes them from private pilots, who fly for recreation and are not permitted to be paid for their flights.
What Commercial Pilots Do
The work of a commercial pilot begins long before the aircraft leaves the ground. A primary duty is conducting pre-flight inspections, which involve a thorough check of the aircraft’s condition to ensure it is safe for operation. This includes verifying fuel levels, confirming the aircraft is balanced, and checking that it is within its specified weight limits. Pilots also analyze weather reports and create a flight plan to submit to air traffic control for clearance.
Once airborne, a pilot’s responsibilities shift to navigation and operation. They are in constant communication with air traffic control, receiving instructions and updates on weather and flight paths. Throughout the flight, pilots continuously monitor the engines, fuel consumption, and other aircraft systems to ensure everything is functioning correctly. They also coordinate with their co-pilot and cabin crew to manage the flight and ensure passenger safety and comfort.
After the flight has concluded and the aircraft has landed, a pilot’s duties are not complete. They are required to complete post-flight reports and logbooks, documenting details of the flight such as duration, distance, and any issues encountered. This information is important for maintenance tracking and operational records. Some commercial pilots might also have non-flying duties like scheduling flights or arranging for aircraft maintenance.
Types of Commercial Pilot Jobs
A Commercial Pilot License is a gateway to numerous career paths with unique demands and lifestyles. While the airline pilot is the most recognized role, opportunities extend far beyond major passenger carriers.
Airline Pilot
Airline pilots transport passengers and cargo on fixed schedules for major and regional airlines. Pilots for major airlines often fly large jets on domestic and international routes, which involves spending several nights away from home. Regional airline pilots fly smaller aircraft on shorter routes that connect smaller cities to major hubs. This career has a structured schedule and a clear path for advancement from First Officer to Captain.
Cargo Pilot
Cargo pilots specialize in transporting freight, mail, and other goods for companies such as FedEx and UPS. They fly a variety of aircraft, from small feeder planes to large jets, often operating at night to ensure packages reach their destinations for next-day delivery. Cargo pilots are an important part of the global supply chain, operating in a highly time-sensitive environment.
Corporate or Business Aviation Pilot
Corporate pilots fly private aircraft for specific companies or individuals, transporting executives and clients to meetings and events. This role often involves flying smaller jets and turboprops and requires a high degree of flexibility, as flights are scheduled based on business needs. Their duties can extend beyond flying to include managing the aircraft and coordinating passenger needs.
Charter Pilot
Charter pilots, also known as air taxi pilots, fly aircraft for hire, transporting small groups of people or goods to a wide variety of destinations on a non-scheduled basis. Because they operate on-demand, pilots must be adaptable to an irregular work schedule. This career offers a high degree of variety, as no two trips are exactly alike.
Air Ambulance and Medical Evacuation Pilot
These pilots fly specially equipped aircraft for emergency medical services (EMS), transporting patients, medical teams, and organs. This demanding field requires pilots to operate under pressure in high-stakes situations, often at a moment’s notice. The work directly contributes to saving lives and providing healthcare access.
Agricultural Pilot
Commonly known as “crop dusters,” agricultural pilots fly at low altitudes to apply fertilizers and pesticides to farmland. This specialized job requires precision and skill in maneuvering the aircraft close to the ground and obstacles. The role supports the agriculture industry by helping to protect crops and improve yields.
Tour and Sightseeing Pilot
Tour pilots provide passengers with aerial views of landmarks, natural wonders, and cities. This job involves flying helicopters or small airplanes over scenic areas and often includes providing narration. The role combines flying with customer service to enhance the passenger experience.
How to Become a Commercial Pilot
The path to becoming a commercial pilot in the United States is a structured process regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The initial requirements are that an individual must be at least 18 years old, be proficient in English, and obtain at least a second-class FAA medical certificate. This certificate is issued by an authorized Aviation Medical Examiner and confirms the applicant meets the necessary health standards.
The journey begins with a Student Pilot Certificate, allowing flight under the supervision of a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). This leads to earning a Private Pilot License (PPL), which permits a pilot to fly solo and carry passengers, but not for compensation. This phase focuses on mastering the fundamentals of flight, navigation, and safety.
Following the PPL, the next step is to acquire an Instrument Rating (IR). This certification permits a pilot to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), which means they can operate the aircraft in adverse weather conditions like clouds and low visibility by relying solely on the aircraft’s instruments. This rating enhances a pilot’s skill and makes them more versatile.
To be eligible for a CPL under FAA Part 61 rules, a pilot must accumulate at least 250 total flight hours. This time must include specific experiences, such as 100 hours as pilot-in-command and 50 hours of cross-country flight. Once these requirements are met, the pilot must pass a written knowledge test and a practical flight exam, known as a checkride, to earn their Commercial Pilot License.
Essential Skills for Commercial Pilots
Successful commercial pilots possess a set of abilities that enable them to operate safely. One is situational awareness, which is the ability to perceive and understand all factors affecting the flight, from weather changes to aircraft system status. This skill allows a pilot to anticipate potential issues before they become problems.
Effective communication is another important attribute. Pilots must clearly exchange information with air traffic control, co-pilots, and cabin crew, especially during high-pressure situations. Teamwork is also important, as aviation relies on close coordination among the flight and ground crews for safe operations.
The ability to make sound and rapid decisions under pressure is another key skill. When facing an unexpected weather event or a technical issue, a pilot must assess the situation, weigh options, and choose the safest course of action. This is complemented by a strong attention to detail in all phases of flight.
Commercial Pilot Salary and Job Outlook
Compensation for commercial pilots varies based on the type of flying, aircraft operated, and experience level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for commercial pilots was $122,670 in May 2024. For airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers, the median annual wage was higher at $226,600. Entry-level positions at smaller carriers start at a lower salary, while experienced captains at major airlines earn significantly more.
The career outlook for pilots is projected to remain steady. The BLS projects that employment for airline and commercial pilots will grow by 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to create about 18,500 openings for pilots each year over the decade. Many of these openings will arise from the need to replace pilots who are retiring or leaving the workforce, ensuring continued demand for new professionals.