Occupation information for Commercial Pilots District Of Columbia

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Typical education needed for entry: Postsecondary certificate

Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: No work experience

Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: 1 to 12 months on-the-job training

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• Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
• Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
• Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
• Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
• Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
• Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
• Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.
• File instrument flight plans with air traffic control so that flights can be coordinated with other air traffic.
• Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.
• Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.

Tools:

• Aircraft braking systems
• Aircraft communication systems
• Aircraft guidance systems
• Aircraft warning systems
• Flight computer systems

Technology:

• Analytical or scientific software
• Data base user interface and query software
• Development environment software
• Information retrieval or search software
• Map creation software

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