Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.

Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.

Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.

Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.

Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.

Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.

Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.

Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.

Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.

Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.

Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance.

Test and evaluate the performance of new aircraft.

Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.

Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.

Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights.

Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.

Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities.

File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic.

Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.

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.

Record in log books information such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.

Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.

Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.

Load smaller aircraft, handling passenger luggage and supervising refueling.

Evaluate other pilots or pilot-license applicants for proficiency.

Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.