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)”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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