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”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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