Will “Aircraft Captain” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

18% Chance of Automation

“Aircraft Captain” will almost certainly not be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #204 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing, multi-engine aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport Pilot certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, National, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 53-2011.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 152,770.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 0.00
Currently, there are 81,520 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Aircraft Captain”

Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.
Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.
Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.
Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.
Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
Test and evaluate the performance of new aircraft.
Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance.
File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic.
Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.
Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights.
Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities.
Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
Record in log books information such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.
Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
Load smaller aircraft, handling passenger luggage and supervising refueling.
Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.
Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.
Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
Evaluate other pilots or pilot-license applicants for proficiency.

Related Technology & Tools

Fuel control systems
Ground proximity warning systems GPWS
Hydraulic pressure regulators
Radio frequency-based navigation and guidance systems
Nosewheel steering systems
Head-up guidance systems HGS
Aircraft data loaders
Brake management systems
Fire suppression and control systems
High-frequency HF radio communication systems
Distance measuring equipment DME
Rudder pedals
Very high frequency omnidirectional range VOR systems
Nondirectional radio beacon markers
Attitude heading reference systems AHRS
Desktop computers
Very high frequency VHF radio communication systems
Hydraulic actuators
Digital communications display units DCDU
Anti-skid control systems
Autopilot systems
Point plotters
Global positioning system GPS devices
Fire extinguishers
Landing gear control systems
Brake pedals
Notebook computers
Emergency life rafts
Power generation and distribution control systems
Airborne collision avoidance systems ACAS
Aileron trim switches
Manual trim wheels
Instrument landing system ILS localizers
Data load selectors
Very high frequency VHF direction finders
Diluter demand emergency oxygen systems
Satellite-based navigation and guidance systems
Pressurization control systems
On-board intercom systems
Transponder landing systems TLS
Pressure demand emergency oxygen systems
Electronic flight instrument systems EFIS
Autobrakes
Instrument landing system ILS glideslope receivers
Yaw damper systems
Control wheels
Flaps control levers
Emergency exit slides
Continuous flow emergency oxygen systems
Wing anti-ice systems
Navigation mode selectors
Pneumatics systems
Control display units CDU
Equipment cooling controls
Windscreen ice control systems
Automatic landing systems
Long range navigation LORAN-C systems
Automatic direction finder ADF radio systems
Ultra high frequency UHF radio communication systems
Inertial navigation systems INS
Engine anti-ice systems
Cockpit displays of traffic information CDTI
Recirculation control systems
Rudder trim knobs
Electric trim switches
Personal digital assistants PDA
Microwave landing systems MLS
Hydraulic control systems
Flight database systems
Passenger oxygen control systems

Polaris Microsystems CharterLog
doXstor Flight Level Logbook
MJICCS PilotLog
SBS International Maestro Suite
Navzilla
AirSmith FlightPrompt
Microsoft Word
Electronic aircraft information databases
Airline Pilots Daily Aviation Log PPC
Skylog Services Skylog Pro
Pilot Navigator Software Load Balance
RMS Technology Flitesoft
AeroPlanner
IFT-Pro
Polaris Microsystems AeroLog Pro
Notam Development Group Airport Insight
CoPilot Flight Planning & E6B
Microsoft Excel
Nimblefeet Technologies Captain's Keeper