Air Pilots, Flight Engineers and Flying Instructors


Pilots fly fixed wing aircraft and helicopters to provide air transportation and other services. Flight engineers (second officers) monitor the functioning of aircraft during flight and may assist in flying aircraft. Flying instructors teach flying techniques and procedures to student and licensed pilots. Air pilots, flight engineers and flight instructors are employed by airline and air freight companies, flying schools, the armed forces and by other public and private sector aircraft operators.

Example Titles

air pilot
captain - air transport
check pilot
chief flying instructor
chief pilot
co-pilot
flight engineer
flying instructor
helicopter pilot
military pilot
pilot instructor
second officer
test pilot



Main duties

Pilots perform some or all of the following duties:

• Fly fixed wing aircraft or helicopters to transport passengers and freight

• Provide services such as search and rescue, aerial surveying or spraying and crop dusting

• Direct activities of aircraft crew during flight, as captain of aircraft

• Co-pilot aircraft and perform captain's duties if required, as first officer

• Test new aircraft to evaluate aircraft performance

• Train pilots to use new equipment, or prepare them for examination to re-validate or upgrade existing licenses.

Flight engineers (second officers) perform some or all of the following duties:

• Monitor operation of engines, fuel consumption and functioning of aircraft systems during flight

• Assist captain and first officer in operation of aircraft as second officer.

Flying instructors perform some or all of the following duties:

• Instruct student pilots in procedures and techniques of flying aircraft and in ground school subjects such as navigation, radio procedures and flying regulations

• Train licensed pilots for additional certification.

Employment requirements

Pilots and flight engineers

• Completion of secondary school and graduation from a certified flying or aviation school are required.

• A commercial pilot's license or an air transport pilot's license is required.

• Additional licenses or endorsements to fly different types of aircraft are required.

• A university degree or college diploma may be required.

• Structured training is provided by employers.