Air Pilots, Flight Engineers and Flying Instructors (NOC 2271)
Description
Pilots fly fixed wing aircrafts and helicopters to provide air transportation and other services. Pilots of small aircraft assist in loading and unloading passengers, luggage and freight. Flight engineers (second officers) prepare flight plans and assist in navigating the 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, or may be self employed.
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Example Titles
- aerial firefighter
- 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
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Classified Elsewhere
- Air Traffic Control and Related Occupations (2272)
- Ground school instructors (in 4131 College and Other Vocational Instructors)
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Duties
Pilots perform some or all of the following duties:
- Fly fixed wing aircrafts or helicopters to transport passengers and freight
- Provide services such as firefighting, 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 licences.
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.
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Skills
Aircraft pilots need the following skills and abilities:
- mathematical ability and aptitude for physics,
- the ability to use technical data,
- the capability to interpret maps and three-dimensional displays,
- good spatial perception,
- good vision and hand-eye coordination,
- excellent written and spoken communication skills (English),
- a strong sense of responsibility for the safety of the aircraft, passengers, crew and cargo,
- excellent powers of concentration,
- be reliable, level headed and calm under pressure,
- self-confidence and the ability to inspire confidence in others,
- work well as part of a team,
- keep up to date on changes in technology and regulations,
- basic administrative skills to keep track of records.
- Pilots of aircraft with other crew members must also have good leadership skills.
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Employment Requirements
- Pilots and flight engineers require completion of secondary school and graduation from a certified flying or aviation school are required. A commercial pilot's licence or an air transport pilot's licence is required.
- Additional licences or endorsements to fly different types of aircraft are required.
- An aviation college diploma may be required.
- Structured training is provided by employers.
- Flight instructors require a commercial pilot's or an air transport pilot's licence and Transport Canada ratings and endorsements to provide instruction on different types of aircraft .
- To apply for a military pilot position with the Canadian Forces the minimum requirement is a university degree.
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Terms & Conditions
Pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors work in pressurized airplane or helicopter cockpits as well as in offices. They usually work irregular hours and often experience jet lag and fatigue. Airline pilots can expect to be away overnight or for longer periods.
Bush pilots in northern Manitoba transport both residents and tourists to and from remote locations, and run the risk of encountering adverse weather conditions. Helicopter pilots may work in potentially dangerous situations such as assisting with the containment of forest fires, or providing emergency transportation. Crop dusters run the risk of exposure to chemicals and, in some cases, may not have access to a conventional landing strips.
Most pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors work full-time (94%); bush pilots may work seasonally. There are opportunities for self-employment, although this is not common. Salaries may vary considerably depending on the size of the employer.
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Earnings
$32,500 per annum - starting
$77,400 per annum - average
$192,100 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- Providence College and Seminary offers a 4-year Aviation program.
- Stevenson Aviation and Aerospace Training Centre offers a program in Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).
- The Canadian Air Force offers training opportunities for careers as an Officer Air Navigator or a Pilot.
- Red River College offers a two-year diploma program in Aviation Management.
Training programs are offered by private flying clubs and institutions throughout Manitoba:
- Brandon Flying Club (Brandon)
- Harv's Air Service Ltd. (Steinbach)
- Perimeter Aviation (Winnipeg)
- Winnipeg Aviation Company Limited (St. Andrews)
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Career Paths
People usually become pilots one of two ways. Some begin flying through the regular or reserve armed forces (including the Air Cadets) where they gain experience, training and air time on single, twin and jet engines. When they have completed their duties with the military they have the option of moving into the commercial airline sector as pilots or flight engineers with either passenger airlines or freight companies.
For those who choose to become airline pilots without going the military route, many start with private flight lessons and become flight instructors, or pilots of specialty aerial flights (e.g., surveys). As they become more experienced, these pilots occasionally fly charter planes or perhaps get jobs with small air transportation firms. Some advance to jobs with freight companies or large passenger airlines. Experienced pilots may become company managers.
Many pilots find entry-level jobs in northern Canada to gain experience.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for air pilots, flight engineers and flying iInstructors have been improving and are projected to be good through the forecast period. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 660.
The labour market for pilots is both national and global as many pilots, particularly those working for large international airlines do not have to live where the employer is based. The international demand, resulting from extraordinary growth in the Persian Gulf, China, India, discount carriers in Europe and Asia, and aggressive recruitment by US firms is attracting some Canadian pilots. Locally, American carriers are offering more flights out of Winnipeg. The expanded airport will support more passenger and cargo services when construction is completed.
Competition for entry-level airline pilot positions has always been high and this will continue. New entrants often move to northern areas to work for smaller companies flying light aircraft to gain flying experience. Employment opportunities for bush pilots in the province of Manitoba are somewhat sensitive to the fortunes of the tourism industry, but regular services for remote communities will maintain demand. Commercial pilots are also needed for firefighting and crop spraying in the summer months, and for the support of mining explorations in Northern Manitoba and Nunavut.
Most pilots are based in Winnipeg or northern Manitoba, but they are located in all regions. The majority of air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors work in the Transportation and Warehousing industry (83%). They are also employed in Public Administration (6%) and Educational Services (flying schools - 5%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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Other Related Information...
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