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”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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