Will “Captain” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

18% Chance of Automation

“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 “Captain”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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