Pilots: Flying Through Life

By Angie Miller

Alert? Logical? Like new adventures? Love to travel?

 Pilots are a branch within the physical science field. The growth for pilots in the next ten years is at a much faster than average growth of 21% or more. The median salary of a pilot in the United States is $70,000. From flying planes to helicopters to helping the law enforcement and health professionals, pilots help people in another dimension.

Work environment for pilots is very non-traditional. Pilots spend lots of time away from home due to flights locations and overnight layovers. Airlines provide transportation, meals, and hotel accommodations for pilots. Pilots are regulated to usually fly 65 to 75 hours a month. With more seniority, the work schedules can become more regulated. Generally pilots check engines and instruments before flights, monitor engine operation, review data, plan flights, and change routes, altitudes, and cargo.

Education for pilots is usually focused on a general education of some science, math, English, and computer science. Pilots are usually required to have a Bachelor’s degree. All pilots who are involved in commercial flying of people or cargo are required to have a license. To obtain a license, flying experience is necessary. After initial training, pilots have to continue training and being in a simulated environment.

Personality skills that are important for pilots include being in a good mental health condition, being organized, and very meticulous.

Similar careers to pilots are locomotive engineers, ship and boat captains, and forest fire fighting supervisors.


Article link: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/earth-physical-sciences/pilot#keyfactsinformation

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