Aircraft pilot

About this career

Aircraft pilots control and navigate aircraft. They operate the mechanical and electrical systems of the aircraft and transport people, mail and freight.

Essential skills

analyse weather forecast apply signalling control procedures comply with air traffic control operations ensure compliance with civil aviation regulations ensure ongoing compliance with regulations have spatial awareness implement airside safety procedures operate cockpit control panels operate radar equipment operate radio equipment operate radio navigation instruments operate two-way radio systems perform take off and landing read 3D displays read maps undertake procedures to meet aircraft flight requirements use different communication channels

Required knowledge

air traffic control operations air transport law aircraft flight control systems civil aviation regulations common aviation safety regulations geographic areas visual flight rules

Additional skills

act reliably adapt to changing situations address aircraft mechanical issues analyse work-related written reports apply air force procedures apply airport standards and regulations apply company policies apply military aviation regulations apply transportation management concepts balance transportation cargo be friendly to passengers carry out navigational calculations communicate in air traffic services communicate with customers comply with checklists create a flight plan deal with challenging work conditions ensure aircraft compliance with regulation ensure compliance with types of weapons ensure public safety and security ensure smooth on board operations execute flight plans follow airport safety procedures follow ethical code of conduct in transport services follow verbal instructions give instructions to staff handle customer complaints handle stressful situations in the work place have computer literacy identify airport safety hazards identify security threats inspect aircraft interpret visual literacy keep task records listen actively maintain relationship with customers make independent operating decisions manage financial risk organise aircraft maintenance patrol areas perform flight manoeuvres perform risk analysis perform routine flight operations checks perform search and rescue missions prepare transportation routes respond to changing navigation circumstances respond to customers' inquiries run preventive simulations supervise crew tolerate stress undertake procedures to meet helicopter flight requirements undertake procedures to meet requirements for flying aircraft heavier than 5,700 kg use meteorological information work in an aviation team write work-related reports air force operations airport planning aviation meteorology freight transport methods geostationary satellites military aviation military code pre-flight procedures for IFR flights surveillance radars

Also known as

cargoplane first officer aeroplane captain aircraft second officer helicopter chief pilot aircraft first officer aircraft captain helicopter pilot cargoplane pilot aeroplane pilot