Pilot job description

Job description of a Pilot

Airline or aircraft pilots fly passengers and/or cargo on long or short-haul flights for leisure, business or commercial purposes. The aircraft is typically operated by two pilots; one will be the captain who is the pilot in command, while the other will be the supporting first officer.

The pilots will usually take turns to fly the plane to avoid fatigue, with one operating the controls while the other speaks to air traffic control and completes the paperwork. In some instances, such as long-haul flights, there may be three or four pilots on board so that the necessary breaks from flying can be taken.

The captain has the overall responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft and the safety of crew and passengers. Prior to the flight, pilots check flight plans, ensure that the aircraft’s controls are operating efficiently and calculate the required fuel for the flight. They are also responsible for checking the weather conditions and briefing cabin crew.

This Pilot job description example includes the list of most important Pilot duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Pilot profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Pilot job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

Briefing the cabin crew before the flight and maintaining regular contact throughout the flight;
Pilots communicate with passengers using the public address system;
Reacting quickly and appropriately to environmental changes and emergencies;
Ensuring the fuel levels balance safety with economy and supervising the loading and fuelling of the aircraft;
Pilots ensure noise regulations are followed during take off and landing;
Understanding and interpreting data from instruments and controls;
Pilots make regular checks on the aircraft’s technical performance and position, on weather conditions and air traffic during flight;
Ensuring all safety systems are working properly;
Pilots carry out pre-flight checks on the navigation and operating systems;
Ensuring all information on the route, weather, passengers and aircraft is received;
Updating the aircraft logbook and writing a report at the end of the flight noting any incidents or problems with the aircraft.
Using that information to create a flight plan which details the altitude for the flight, route to be taken and amount of fuel required;
Communicating with air traffic control before take-off and during flight and landing;

Pilot Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Pilot job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

Completion of the required number of training hours.
Passing relevant tests and exams.
A relevant license and certification.
Strong communication skills and ability to function under pressure.
Excellent leadership skills, situational awareness, and professionalism.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Pilot starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Pilot job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Pilot may also reference it in preparation for the interview.

Pilot Job Description

Job description of a Pilot

Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Pilot Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

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