The person in command of an aircraft is called the pilot, and the correct term for controlling the aircraft is “piloting” or “operating.” Pilots manage a complex system of flight controls, navigation equipment, and communication systems to ensure the safe and efficient movement of the aircraft from one point to another. The duties and environments of pilots vary widely, depending on whether they are flying large airliners, military jets, or smaller corporate aircraft.
Defining the Role of the Pilot
A pilot’s fundamental responsibility is the safety of the aircraft, its passengers, and any cargo. This duty begins with comprehensive pre-flight preparations before the aircraft moves. Pilots examine weather forecasts, calculate fuel requirements, and perform external and internal checks to verify the mechanical integrity of all aircraft systems.
During the flight, pilots are primarily responsible for precise navigation and adherence to the established flight plan. They continuously monitor engine performance, fuel consumption, and flight control surfaces to maintain the desired altitude and course. Effective communication is required, as pilots relay intentions and receive instructions from air traffic control (ATC) to ensure separation from other aircraft. The pilot acts as the ultimate authority on board, making real-time decisions necessary to respond to any unforeseen operational changes or emergencies.
The Commercial Flight Crew
Commercial passenger aviation employs a distinct hierarchy within the flight deck, typically consisting of two highly trained professionals who share operational duties. The highest authority on the aircraft is the Captain, who is designated as the Pilot in Command (PIC) and holds ultimate responsibility for the safety of the flight, the crew, and all passengers. Captains possess the highest level of licensing and experience, requiring thousands of hours of flight time before being eligible for the role.
The second seat is occupied by the First Officer, who provides direct support to the Captain. First Officers are fully qualified pilots who assist in monitoring the aircraft’s systems, executing checklists, and managing communications with ground services. During a typical flight, the Captain and First Officer alternate the duties of Pilot Flying (PF), who actively manipulates the controls, and Pilot Monitoring (PM), who manages communications and cross-checks the PF’s actions. This two-person system ensures redundancy and continuous verification of procedures.
Diverse Careers in the Cockpit
Cargo Pilots
Cargo pilots operate aircraft dedicated solely to transporting freight, mail, and packages. Since cargo operations often prioritize speed of delivery, pilots frequently fly during less desirable hours, such as late nights or early mornings, when passenger traffic is minimal. Their routes can include remote locations or specialized airports not typically served by passenger carriers.
Military Pilots
Military pilots are government-trained officers whose missions are entirely distinct from commercial operations, often involving high-stakes, tactical objectives. Their training is highly specialized and rigorous, preparing them to operate advanced aircraft in extreme conditions. Mission types vary widely, encompassing air-to-air combat, ground attack, reconnaissance, and large-scale airlift operations. The operational environment for these pilots includes navigating complex geopolitical airspace and executing tasks defined by national defense and strategy.
Private and Corporate Pilots
Pilots in the private and corporate sector fly for individuals, families, or executive teams, usually operating smaller, high-performance business jets. Unlike scheduled commercial services, these pilots operate on an on-demand basis, requiring significant flexibility in scheduling and destination. The role often demands a heightened focus on client service, as the pilot may be responsible for managing ground logistics, catering, and itinerary changes. The pilot in this environment frequently acts as the sole manager of the aircraft, overseeing maintenance scheduling and regulatory compliance.
Specialized Aerial Operations
Agricultural pilots, sometimes called crop dusters, fly low-altitude passes to apply fertilizers or pesticides to fields. Other specialized roles include aerial firefighting, where pilots operate large air tankers to drop retardant on wildfires. Pilots also work in air ambulance services, delivering emergency medical teams and patients, or as flight instructors, teaching new pilots in a dedicated training environment.
The Path to Becoming a Pilot
Aspiring pilots typically begin by obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL), which permits non-commercial flight under visual flight rules. The next major step is securing a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), which legally allows a person to be compensated for flying services.
Achieving the highest level of certification, the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), is mandatory for captains flying large commercial airliners. This license requires a rigorous examination process and a significant number of flight hours, often exceeding 1,500 hours of total flight time. Throughout this process, pilots must pass regular medical examinations, maintaining a Class 1 Medical Certificate to meet health requirements for commercial flying. Specialized ratings, such as an instrument rating (for flying in poor visibility) and specific “type ratings” for particular aircraft models, are acquired alongside the core licenses to expand a pilot’s operational capabilities.