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AIRLINE PILOT

Commercial airline pilots transportpassengers and cargo, normally on fixedroutes and schedules. They are incommand of a multi-crew airline aircraftand have full responsibility for the safety ofthe aircraft’s passengers and crews.

TasksPrepare flight plans based on weatherforecast and operational information;

Conduct pre-flight check on maintenancestatus of aircraft prior to flight;

Conduct checks of flight controls,instruments and aircraft engines;

Confer with flight dispatchers and weatherforecasters;

Check for fuel requirements and fuelquantities prior to flight;

Operate radio equipment to contactcontrol tower for takeoff, clearance, andarrival instructions;

Make sure passengers are correctlyinformed of emergency procedures andmaintain care of passengers;

Provide passengers with information andweather details.

Basic Educational RequirementApart from the educational attainment

demanded by employers, which may or maynot be aviation-related, airlines pilots arerequired to have a license from the AirTransportation Office (ATO) before they canperform their duties. Among the requirementsfor pilot’s license are instrument ratings, typeratings, aircraft ratings, pilot proficiencychecks, flight checks, proof of experience andtraining. The grant of licenses or progressionsalways require a certain number of prescribedflying hours.

To qualify as commercial airline pilot, onemust meet the following specifications:

At least 18 years old;

Must be fit enough to pass a 2nd-classmedical examination administered by theATO approved flight medical examiner;

Must meet the minimum flight experienceof 150 hours;

Must enroll in the ATO approved groundcourses and pass the written exam;

Must pass the oral and practical ATO flighttest with the ATO examiner.

Skills and CompetenciesCognitive and Social Skills♦ work load management;♦ situational awareness;♦ communication skills;♦ planning, problem solving, decision-

making.

Technical Skills♦ aeronautical knowledge (navigation.

meteorology, radio operation, air trafficcommunications, flight planning, aircraftweight and balance);

Aerospace Engineering Skills (aircraftinstrument systems, engine system,airframe and mechanical systems,maintenance practices for pilot, aironicsand electrical systems);♦ Physics and aircraft general knowledge;♦ Operation performance;♦ Managerial and coordination skills;♦ Aircraft operation systems.

Physical Attributes and CharacteristicsGood eyesight and hearing;

Able to make accurate judgementsquickly and remain calm in anemergency;

Alert and quick to react if something goeswrong;

Physically fit.

Salary/CompensationLocally, a First Officer receives an average

monthly salary of P177,000 while a Captain’saverage monthly salary is estimated at aroundP274,000. Aside from the basic salary airlinepilots receive additional benefit such aspremium and longevity pay, incentive pay,transportation allowance, monthly rice subsidy,13th and 14th month pay, and reduced rateson personal and family airline travel.

In the US, the highest total monthly pay of$162,900 belongs to Captains/Pilots incommand of larger jets while those manningsmall jets get approximately $136,505.

In other foreign countries, pay andbenefits are definitely higher than local rates.

Prospects for Career AdvancementMany airline pilots begin with smaller

regional or commuter airlines where theyobtain experience flying passengers. These jobsoften lead to higher paying jobs with biggernational or major carriers.

In commercial airlines, advancementwithin the company usually depends onseniority and experience. First officers mayadvance to a Captain after meeting the

prescribed number of flying hours andadvance training. Seniority also determineswhich pilots get the more desirable routes andschedules.

Pilots who have logged the greatestnumber of flying hours using sophisticatedequipment usually have the best prospects forcareer advancement. Others may also bepromoted to managerial positions.

Employment OpportunitiesEntry opportunities for commercial airline

pilots will be with small airline companies plyingdomestic routes. For most full-time flying jobs,experience is the primary consideration inincreasing the pilot?s employmentopportunities and the chance to land a job inmajor airline companies.

Those with a degree in aviation havebetter employment prospects since majorairlines are increasingly hiring pilots withuniversity degrees preferably in aviationrelated courses.

The demand for airline pilots is expectedto steadily increase over the years aspopulations grow and incomes rise, stimulatingthe demand for air travel.

There will also be various opportunities foroverseas employment with job openingsexpected to come from China, India,Singapore, Hongkong, Qatar and and theKingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Cost of Education *A course in B.S. Aviation major in Flying

cost around P91,000 per tri-semester whiletraining in flight operations would cost P4,987per hour.

* Based on tuition fee rates for school year 2007 - 2008