A pilot is a skilled individual who flies or assists in the flight of the aircraft, either fixed-wing (airplanes) or rotary-wing (helicopters). They may fly passengers from one place to another on commercial flights, transport government or business personnel on private jets, or be employed to offer search and rescue services. Pilots may also be self-employed, and offer flights in and out of remote locations to hikers or hunters. This position is exciting and varied and requires steady, focused concentration and an ability to convert learning into skills at a moment’s notice.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare flight plans
- Monitor weather conditions and plane requirements
- Operate aircraft controls, communication and navigation systems
- Direct activities of flight crew during flight
- Monitor operation of engines and functioning of aircraft systems during flight
- Be prepared to handle emergency situations
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Technical aptitude
- Good judgment and problem-solving skills
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work as a team member
- Technological and navigational skills
- Good health, hearing and vision
- Height and weight that conform to safety standards
- Time management skills
- Leadership and team building skills
- Emergency and disaster management skills
- Secondary school diploma is required
- A commercial pilot’s license is required
- Restricted Telephone Certificate is required
- Multi-engine endorsements, the requisite number of flight hours and/or a related university or college degree may also be required.
Possible Future Career Path:
- Flight Instructor
- Dispatcher
- Traffic Manager
- Airline Manager
Information provided by Discover Tourism.
