What Does A Pilot Do?
If you wish to pursue a career in aviation, you must understand the duties of a pilot. A pilot must communicate with air traffic control through their radio system, maneuver and control the aircraft along its journey, properly land and take off with the aircraft. Furthermore, a pilot must understand how to read and understand visual references such as maps and cockpit instruments. As a pilot, you must be prepared for any unexpected events such as turbulence, engine failure, or damage in flight. Pilots are responsible for navigating and flying aircrafts such as airplanes and helicopters.
Within the realm piloting, there are two types of pilots: commercial and airline pilots. Commercial pilots fly aircrafts for aerial photography, firefighting, rescue operations, and charter flights. Airplane pilots typically fly airplane that transports cargo or individuals with a rigid agenda.
Furthermore, a pilot must have intense concentration to fly an aircraft, which can cause fatigue and stress. As a pilot, you must be able to adapt quickly to difficult situations and react in a calm manner. Due to these factors, federal law requires aircraft pilots to retire from flying at the age of 65. A pilot may fly all over the globe, causing irregular work schedules and time away from home. Airplane pilots are to follow the strict regulations set by federal law; they have set minimum and maximum work hours each month.
Airplane pilots fly up to seventy-five hours per month, depending on the situation and schedule. Commercial pilots have sporadic schedules, flying between thirty to ninety hours per month, depending on the specific situation. Airplane pilots are constantly flying at distances, which may cause jet lag, anxiety, or fatigue. A pilot must be able to work in tight quarters and be able to stay calm underneath pressure. Commercial pilots face many hazards depending on their position. If a commercial pilot is flying an aircraft for a rescue mission or firefighting, they could face obstacles such bad weather, poor visibility, and at risk to crash their aircraft. Hearing loss is one of the job hazards a pilot may face, due to long exposure to engine noise.
Regardless of what or whom is being transported within an aircraft, it is the pilot’s responsibility to evaluate the condition of the aircraft, prior to and after, every air flight. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the pilot to ensure that the aircraft’s fuel supplies is sufficient and weather conditions are satisfactory for flight. Additionally, the pilot must make sure the aircraft is balanced and that the weight of the aircraft is not at its maximum capacity. A pilot must submit their flight plans to the air traffic controller in order to arrive safely at their destination. The safety of the pilot as well as others on board is of the utmost importance when flying an aircraft. It takes a unique, calm, and collected individual to become a pilot; it requires dedication, intense concentration, finesse, and communication to effectively fly an aircraft.
Career Spotlight: Airline Pilot
Pilots are responsible for navigating and flying aircrafts such as airplanes and helicopters. Within the realm piloting, there are two types of pilots: commercial and airline pilots. Commercial pilots[...]
