Job Description and Responsibilities of Flight School Graduates

Learning to fly is a dream for many people. Some learn to fly for recreational purposes; others as a career. Attending a flight training school and gaining certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are basic requirements that all potential pilots must fulfill.

Duties and Responsibilities

In most aircrafts, the cockpit crew consists of two pilots – the pilot and the copilot (also known as the first officer). They share duties and responsibilities and are expected to:

• Plan flights with precision and accuracy
• Thoroughly check the proper function of aircraft instruments and systems
• Communicate with air traffic controllers and aviation weather forecasters
• Closely confer and coordinate with each other during takeoffs, landings and in-flight journeys
• Regularly check the instrument panel during flights
• Complete flight records and aircraft maintenance status

Airline pilots face unique risks and challenges on the job. Recognizing this, airline companies impose aptitude and psychological tests for potential applicants and reject those who do not pass. Periodic physical and ophthalmic examinations are required to maintain a valid license.

Most aircrafts manage well with only two pilots due to the advanced technology that facilitates computerized flight controls. However, a flight engineer may sometimes be present on large aircrafts. The responsibilities of a flight engineer include:

• Monitoring and operating flight instruments and systems
• Repairing minor in-flight problems
• Assisting pilots with air traffic control and cabin crew communications

Career Options After Flight School

Graduates of flight schools can consider careers as pilots, copilots, flight engineers and flight instructors. The most common area of work is in the transportation of passengers and cargo. About 20% of flight school graduates find work as commercial pilots, engaged in activities like crop dusting, aircraft testing, rescue missions, and traffic monitoring. Air-taxi companies also hire commercial pilots to fly small planes.