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)”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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