MightyRecruiterAn airline pilot operates aircraft to transport people and freight cargo to different destinations. Most airline pilots fly certain routes on a fixed schedule and are responsible for navigating properly, verifying airplane maintenance and following strict safety guidelines for each flight.
Pilots must be able to deal with changing conditions in a safe and appropriate way, including modifying the flight path using navigational tools and following emergency protocols if necessary. Your airline pilot job description should focus on completion of required training and licensing as required by law.
Other important skills include attention to detail and strong decision making, including effective problem solving during dangerous situations. Pilots must also work well with the flight crew and occasionally interact with passengers, so interpersonal skills are also essential. Look through the airline pilot job description below to see what other information you should include in your own job listing.
Airline Pilot Job Summary
Do you want a hands-on career with new challenges every day and the chance to continually improve your professional qualifications? We are currently looking to fill an opening for an airline pilot with an ideal candidate who has exceptional training, strong decision-making skills and a dedication to safety. You can maintain your current certifications and flight time requirements through full-time aircraft operation along fixed routes as well as have the chance to move your career forward through additional training and possible advancement to Pilot-in-Charge and similar positions. We value our pilots for their technical abilities as well as their commitment to safe and efficient operation during every flight, so we offer excellent compensation and benefits.
Job Responsibilities
- Follow precise, documented steps to check and verify condition of aircraft prior to and following every flight, and document complete findings in log according to standard operating procedures
- Complete pre-flight checks before takeoff by verifying compliance with weight limits, submitting detailed flight plans to air traffic control authorities and studying weather patterns to ensure acceptable conditions for safe flight
- Operate aircraft safely according to set flight schedules by following planned routes, communicating effectively with air-traffic control, operating navigational instruments properly and monitoring fuel levels and other systems during takeoff, flight and landing procedures
- Respond to changes in weather conditions and emergency situations calmly and safely, following standard protocols when possible and determining additional actions when necessary to address unusual situations
- Communicate effectively with other pilots, flight crew, air traffic controllers and passengers as necessary to ensure proper aircraft operation
- Complete post-flight documentation accurately by listing all relevant operational and instrumentation details and recommending maintenance procedures or changes in flight schedule when necessary
- Coordinate with copilot, flight engineer and ground personnel as necessary to ensure compliance with safety protocols and adherence to FAA regulations for all flights
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Commercial Pilot license, Instrument Rating and ATP certificate
- Expert-level knowledge of FAA regulations and safety procedures
- Minimum of 2,000 hours of flight time
- Exceptional observational skills plus strong problem-solving abilities
Preferred:
- Certified Flight Instructor rating
- Over 4,000 hours of flight time
Airline Pilot Job Responsibilities
In an airline pilot job description, it is critical to explain the daily duties of the position accurately so that jobseekers have an idea of what you expect from them as well as what to expect from the job. The job responsibilities section performs this function, and it is essential that you write it clearly and succinctly so that there can be no room for misunderstanding. One of the most important practices in writing this section well is omitting any ancillary tasks that will not factor into the candidate’s day-to-day routine. Focus on the core duties of the job.
To avoid intimidating jobseekers, use a bulleted format to streamline the large amount of information your airline pilot job description will be presenting. This makes skimming easier and provides jobseekers with a way to quickly absorb the necessary information. Be sure to keep the number of bullets within a range of 4-8, and begin each one with a vivid action word to assist readers in visualizing the position’s responsibilities.
Here are some airline pilot job responsibilities for your reference:
- Control planes during takeoff and landing and in flight
- Work in tandem with other crew members
- Monitor all cockpit displays, gauges and control panels regularly
- Inspect aircraft for safety hazards and malfunctions
- Direct crew in all tasks while in flight
Airline Pilot Job Specifications
Many writers of job descriptions make the costly mistake of underestimating the job qualifications and skills section, but it’s not hard to see why. It’s the smallest section of the airline pilot job description and is no more than a list of basic requirements, such as prior work experience and relevant academic credentials. However, it is important to write this section well, in part because it acts as a powerful filter for unqualified job applicants. When the minimum requirements are clearly communicated, jobseekers without the necessary credentials are less likely to send in applications, while those who are overqualified can know to look for more suitable positions.
To offer extra clarity to jobseekers, separate the non-negotiable skills from those that are simply preferences on the document. To divide the traits reasonably, have a conversation with your senior leadership regarding their expectations for candidates before you get started on your airline pilot job description. This will give you a clear vision of how best to write this section.
You may refer to these airline pilot job specifications while writing your document:
- Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science
- Minimum 1500 logged flight hours
- Extraordinary critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Exceptional communications skills, especially written and oral
