Will “Airline Pilot (Captain)” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

18% Chance of Automation

“Airline Pilot (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 “Airline Pilot (Captain)”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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