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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 53-2012 Commercial Pilots
Pilot and navigate the flight of small fixed or rotary winged aircraft, primarily for the transport of cargo and passengers. Requires Commercial Rating. Include aircraft instructors with similar certification.
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Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
OJT: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: 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. Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments. Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights. Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties as required. Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control, and inform crew members of flight and test procedures. Request changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate. Write specified information in flight records, such as flight times, altitudes flown, and fuel consumption. Supervise other crew members. Fly with other pilots or pilot-license applicants to evaluate their proficiency.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Good
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry   Entry $58,239.00
Mean   Mean $89,709.00
Experience Experience $105,439.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
9801,1101101.25
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Occupational Videos
53-2012.00 Commercial Pilots