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

18% Chance of Automation

“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 “Pilot (Captain)”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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