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”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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