Engineering ServicesISCO 3153
Aircraft pilot
An aircraft pilot is a person who controls an aircraft and navigates it along a planned route, carrying passengers, mail or freight.
Check yourself in a minute: aircraft pilot
Rate 5 of the 21 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
operate radio equipment
ensure ongoing compliance with regulations
operate radio navigation instruments
read maps
have spatial awareness
About aircraft pilot
The pilot operates the mechanical and electrical systems of the aircraft: engines, hydraulics, the fuel installation, electrical power and the flight automation. Before departure the machine and its documents are checked, mass and balance calculated and fuel reserves worked out; in the air the pilot navigates, reads aeronautical charts and uses displays that present the space around the aircraft.
The pilot operates radio equipment, keeps contact with air traffic control and uses different communication channels, and on the ground applies the safety procedures that govern the airside area: taxi routes, markings, right of way, and how to move around running engines.
Pilots apply the common aviation safety regulations, work from checklists, and maintain continuous compliance with the requirements: a current licence, aeromedical certificate and type rating. Licences are issued by the national civil aviation authority after training at an approved organisation, theoretical and practical examinations and a medical assessment, and commercial flying calls for a professional licence and a set number of flying hours.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a aircraft pilot.
1
Aircraft Systems Operation
- Operate cockpit control panels and manage aircraft flight control systems
- Monitor and interpret 3D displays and navigation instruments
- Manage radar equipment and radio navigation systems
2
Flight Operations and Safety Compliance
- Perform take-off and landing procedures following air traffic control operations
- Ensure ongoing compliance with civil aviation regulations and common safety protocols
- Implement airside safety procedures and apply signalling control procedures
3
Navigation and Communication
- Read maps and geographic areas to plan and execute flight routes
- Operate radio equipment and use different communication channels
- Maintain spatial awareness and perform flight manoeuvres as required
Key skills in this occupation
Essential skills and knowledge areas from the European ESCO classification, 21 in total. The ones most specific to this occupation come first.
- operate radio equipment
Set up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones.
practical skill - ensure ongoing compliance with regulations
Conduct tasks and procedures to ensure that aviation certificates maintain their validity; undertake safeguarding measures as appropriate.
practical skill - operate radio navigation instruments
Operate radio navigation instruments to determine the position of aircraft in the airspace.
practical skill - read maps
Read maps effectively.
practical skill - have spatial awareness
Be aware of your position and the space around you.
practical skill - operate cockpit control panels
Operates control panels in the cockpit or flight deck according to the needs of the flight.
practical skill - read 3D displays
Read 3D-displays and understand the information they provide on positions, distances, and other parameters.
practical skill - comply with air traffic control operations
Act in compliance with instruction provided by air traffic controllers.
practical skill
Check which of these skills you already have ↑
Knowledge (7)
geographic areas
The detailed knowledge of a geographical area where different organisations carry out operations. More →
aircraft flight control systems
The setting, features and operation of aircraft flight control systems such as flight control surfaces, cockpit controls, connections, and operating mechanisms required to control the flight direction of an aircraft. More →
air transport law
The rules and regulations governing air transport, including international law. More →
air traffic control operations
The procedures for organising air traffic, preventing collisions and ensuring smooth operations during flights, and the tasks performed by air traffic controllers, including Interaction and effective communication… More →
civil aviation regulations
The body of regulations, rules and signals that apply to the field of civil aviation, including marshalling signals. More →
visual flight rules
Types of flight rules which are a compilation of regulations that allow pilots to fly aircrafts in clear as well as unclear weather conditions whereby it is declared that outside visual reference to the ground and other… More →
common aviation safety regulations
The body of legislation and regulations that apply to the field of civil aviation at regional, national, European and International levels. More →
Practical skills (6)
perform take off and landing
Perform normal and cross-wind take-off and landing operations. More →
operate radar equipment
Operate radar screens and other radar equipment. More →
undertake procedures to meet aircraft flight requirements
Ensure that operation certificates are valid, guarantee that take-off mass is a maximum of 3,175 kg, verify that the minimum crew is adequate according to regulations and needs, ensure that the configuration settings… More →
analyse weather forecast
Analyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. More →
use different communication channels
Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information. More →
implement airside safety procedures
Apply a series of airfield safety rules and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for airport crew. More →
Optional skills (61) — show
military code
The code language used in specific intelligence or military organisations and operations, how to use and decipher them. More →
pre-flight procedures for IFR flights
The pre-flight duties required while preparing an IFR flight as provided in the flight manual. More →
military aviation
The rules and regulations concerning military aviation procedures, such as military air space, aviation procedures in civilian air space, and specific military aviation equipment. More →
air force operations
The operations, procedures and compliant behaviour of a military air force, and of a specific air force base. More →
surveillance radars
Types of surveillance radars such as Mode A/C Secondary Surveillance Radar stations, which continuously interrogate all aircraft within their range, and Mode S Secondary Surveillance Radar stations, which carry out… More →
geostationary satellites
The functioning and purpose of geostationary satellites, their movement in the same direction as rotation of the Earth, and their application for telecommunication and commercial purposes. More →
undertake procedures to meet helicopter flight requirements
Ensure that operation certificates are valid, guarantee that take-off mass is a maximum of 3,175 kg, verify that the minimum crew is adequate according to regulations and needs, ensure that the configuration setting is… More →
apply company policies
Apply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation. More →
communicate with customers
Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require. More →
communicate in air traffic services
Ensure the implementation of an efficient communication exchange in air traffic services (ATS) involving airport movement areas. More →
follow ethical code of conduct in transport services
Carry out transport services according to accepted principles of right and wrong. More →
use meteorological information
Use and interpret meteorological information for operations dependent on climatic conditions. More →
perform risk analysis
Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation's functioning. More →
give instructions to staff
Give instructions to subordinates by employing various communication techniques. More →
interpret visual literacy
Interpret charts, maps, graphics, and other pictorial presentations used in place of the written word. More →
maintain relationship with customers
Build a lasting and meaningful relationship with customers in order to ensure satisfaction and fidelity by providing accurate and friendly advice and support, by delivering quality products and services and by supplying… More →
act reliably
Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on. More →
handle customer complaints
Administer complaints and negative feedback from customers in order to address concerns and where applicable provide a quick service recovery. More →
deal with challenging work conditions
Deal with challenging circumstances in which to perform work, such as night work, shift work, and atypical working conditions. More →
execute flight plans
Listen to the briefing given by the captain or the crew manager; understand service requirements and apply the commissioned tasks in an appropriate manner. More →
keep task records
Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks. More →
carry out navigational calculations
Solve mathematical problems to achieve safe navigation. More →
address aircraft mechanical issues
Identify and resolve mechanical issues which arise during flight. More →
work in an aviation team
Work confidently in a group in general aviation services, in which each individual operates in their own area of responsibility to reach a common goal, such as a good customer interaction, air safety, and aircraft… More →
adapt to changing situations
Change approach to situations based on unexpected and sudden changes in people's needs and mood or in trends; shift strategies, improvise and naturally adapt to those circumstances. More →
follow airport safety procedures
Comply with airport safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of passengers. More →
ensure smooth on board operations
Ensure the trip goes smoothly and without incidents. More →
apply air force procedures
Apply the procedures present in a military air force and on a specific base and being compliant with all the regulations and policies. More →
undertake procedures to meet requirements for flying aircraft heavier than 5,700 kg
Ensure that operation certificates are valid, validate that take-off mass is a minimum of 5,700 kg, verify that the minimum crew is adequate according to flight needs and regulations, ensure that the configuration… More →
make independent operating decisions
Make immediate operating decisions as necessary without reference to others, taking into account the circumstances and any relevant procedures and legislation. More →
perform flight manoeuvres
Perform flight manoeuvres in critical situations, and associated ‘upset’ manoeuvres, in order to avoid collision. More →
ensure compliance with types of weapons
Comply with legal requirements when using different kinds of firearms and other types of weapons and their matching ammunition. More →
apply transportation management concepts
Apply transport industry management concepts in order to improve transportation processes, reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve schedule preparation. More →
manage financial risk
Predict and manage financial risks, and identify procedures to avoid or minimise their impact. More →
organise aircraft maintenance
Organise arrangements for aircraft maintenance and repair activities; communicate with engineering centres. More →
balance transportation cargo
Maintain balance and mass distribution inside the means of transport (vessel, aircraft, train, road vehicles, etc). More →
apply military aviation regulations
Apply the procedures and regulations present in military aviation operations and missions, ensuring compliance with policies, safety and security. More →
write work-related reports
Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. More →
identify airport safety hazards
Spot threats related to security at the airport and apply procedures to counteract them in a quick, safe, and efficient way. More →
supervise crew
Supervise and observe the behaviour of employees. More →
respond to changing navigation circumstances
Respond decisively and in sufficient time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations while navigating. More →
listen actively
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients… More →
identify security threats
Identify security threats during investigations, inspections, or patrols, and perform the necessary actions to minimise or neutralise the threat. More →
apply airport standards and regulations
Know and apply the accepted standards and regulations for European airports. More →
handle stressful situations in the work place
Deal with and manage highly stressful situations in the workplace by following adequate procedures, communicating in a quiet and effective manner, and remaining level-headed when taking decisions. More →
run preventive simulations
Run preventive audits or simulations with new signalling systems. More →
ensure aircraft compliance with regulation
Ensure that every aircraft complies with applicable regulation and all components and equipment have officially valid components. More →
inspect aircraft
Conduct inspections of aircraft and aircraft components, their parts, appliances, and equipment, to identify malfunctions such as fuel leaks or flaws in electrical and pressurisation systems. More →
respond to customers' inquiries
Answer customers' questions about itineraries, rates and reservations in person, by mail, by e-mail and on the phone. More →
have computer literacy
Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way. More →
tolerate stress
Maintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances. More →
comply with checklists
Follow checklists and ensure compliance with all the items included in them. More →
be friendly to passengers
Engage with passengers according to the expectations of contemporary social behaviour, the specific situation, and the code of conduct of the organisation. More →
prepare transportation routes
Prepare routes through the addition or subtraction of routes, making changes to route frequency, and changing the service span of routes. More →
patrol areas
Patrol a designated area, watch out for and respond to suspicious and dangerous situations, and communicating with emergency response organisations. More →
perform routine flight operations checks
Perform checks before and during flight: conduct pre-flight and in-flight inspections of aircraft performance, route and fuel usage, runway availability, airspace restrictions, etc. More →
follow verbal instructions
Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. More →
analyse work-related written reports
Read and comprehend job-related reports, analyse the content of reports and apply findings to daily work operations. More →
perform search and rescue missions
Assist in fighting natural and civic disasters, such as forest fires, floods and road accidents. More →
ensure public safety and security
Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property. More →
freight transport methods
The different modalities of freight transport such as air, sea, or intermodal freight transport, including the details and procedures specific to them. More →
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
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Frequently asked questions
What does an aircraft pilot do?
Aircraft pilots control and navigate aircraft. They operate the mechanical and electrical systems of the aircraft and transport people, mail and freight.
What skills does an aircraft pilot need?
An aircraft pilot needs 21 essential skills, including geographic areas, aircraft flight control systems, air transport law, air traffic control operations, civil aviation regulations.
Will AI replace aircraft pilot jobs?
The AI disruption score for aircraft pilot is 38/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: comply with checklists, carry out navigational calculations, keep task records. Most resilient: deal with challenging work conditions, tolerate stress, perform search and rescue missions.
AI Replacement Risk
38/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorEngineering Services
ISCO GroupScience and engineering associate professionals
Essential Skills21
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