Analysis of Career in US Airline Pilot - Assignment Example

Analysis of Career in US Airline Pilot Introduction Many people regard the job of an airline pilot as one of the best in the world. This job appears attractive to most people owing to a number of reasons, among them the luxury of touring different destinations in the world and spending many hours in the sky. However, most individuals do not know what the career entails. This document shall exhaustively look into the career of an airline pilot in the US, placing emphasis on what it takes to be an airline pilot as well as the advantages and challenges attached to this job. Education and Training Flying a plane requires one to attain a high level of training and education. In as much as a degree is not a requirement for an individual seeking to be an airline pilot, this job requires high skill levels. An airline pilot needs to have extensive knowledge in Physics and its application in order to understand the theory of flight (ATRS, 2008). It is imperative that pilots understand higher math aside from laws such as the laws of inertia, mass, temperature, pressure, gases and fluids, and motion. Understanding these laws helps a potential airline pilot to understand important factors of flight such as aircraft performance, system operations and hydroplaning, aerodynamics and limitations of flight, which form the crux of the knowledge required for this career (JetCarrers.com, 2014). Aspiring airline pilots need to acquire adequate training in areas such as meteorology to help them understand how to manage their planes in different types of weather. This is aside from the basic training they receive on matters such as navigation, aircraft systems, air traffic control and the regulations put in place to govern pilots. These skills enable a pilot to understand how a plane operates in order to comprehend the tenets ascribed to aircraft maintenance and how to react to emergencies. Aside from that, pilots need to be equipped with adequate knowledge in physiology in order to recognize any physical issues that may have an effect on them or their passengers. Some physical problems may pose a threat to the safety of the plane and the passengers during flight (ATRS, 2008). Certificates and Licensing Aside from a license for commercial pilots that is required for any pilot, aspiring airline pilots require a license for Airline Transport Pilots (ATPL). This is because, contrary to common knowledge that commercial pilots are the ones that fly major airline planes, one has to be an Airline Transport pilot. When an individual acquires an ATPL, he/she has the prerequisite skills required to fly an airplane in instrument meteorological conditions. This means that a pilot has the skills to use the instruments in the plane to navigate through the air in the event that they loose visibility. En-route to becoming a pilot for an airline in the US, one will have acquired a student license while training, a commercial license, and an ATPL, which gives them the authorization to act in the position of a pilot commanding a scheduled airline. Licensing is done by the FAA, which is under the US Department of Transport (JetCarrers.com, 2014). Salaries Airline pilots earn good salaries. Part of the reason why they have attractive salaries is the risks involved with flying a plane. During the initial years of their flying career, pilots are paid salaries ranging between $25, 000 and $50, 000 annually. Most pilots who have worked for major airlines in the US for more than five years earn approximately $300, 000 every year. This figure can rise higher as the pilot advances in their career. However, most pilots working for major airlines earn an approximate amount of $100,000 per year (ATRS, 2008). Benefits associated with being a US airline Pilot One of the benefits associated with being an airline pilot is the hours of work associated with the job per month. An airline pilot may have to work for only 8 days in an entire month. Secondly, an airline pilot’s work ends the moment they step out of their planes. This gives them time to build their social lives and have enough rest before they embark on their next journey. Pilots also earn good salaries as mentioned above, with their salaries advancing in amount as they gain more experience in their career. In addition to that, they are given considerabe discounts in hotels, airlines, car rentals among others. Working Conditions The working conditions for an airline pilot are favorable. They earn well for flying and receive enough time to have sufficient rest between breaks. This ensures that pilots are not under any stress while working. Further, airline pilots are accorded security and transport services to and from the airports, making them more efficient in their job (ATRS, 2008). Opportunities for Professional Development There are extensive opportunities that facilitate advancements in the career of an airline pilot. This is because airline pilots undergo continuous training to advance their skills (JetCarrers.com, 2014). However, this career does not enjoy as much professional development opportunities as other jobs. For instance, in the event that one loses their job in an airline, they may find it difficult to get a similar job. Retirement According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the retirement age for airline pilots is 65.On retirement; pilots get help to secure heir retirement benefits by associations such as the Pilot Financial Association of the US (ATRS, 2008). Professional Organizations in the Profession The body that governs flights in the US is the Federal Aviation Administration. This body implements legislations for flying. Another professional organization is the USPFA, the Airline Pilots’ Association in the US, which is a labor movement for pilots and the International Federation of Pilots of Airlines Associations that covers all pilots and aircraft engineers (ATRS, 2008). Effect of the Career on Personal Life Despite being in charge of long flights, sometimes as many as 18 hours, airline pilots have a flexible schedule that allows them to have a social life. Most airline pilots have families and friends with which they relate on a regular basis. Pilots get enough time to develop their personal lives. Conclusion From this review, it is emergent that pilots are highly skilled individuals. However, this job does not have the security that I expected it to have. Another revelation is that airline pilots need additional licensing, the ATPL. These, however, are not inhibiting factors when an individual who seeks to be an airline pilot. Their work schedule is their biggest challenge since they may suffer fatigue from long hours of flying. Further, the repeated training courses meant to develop a pilot’s career requires them to be dedicated in order to succeed. References 2008 ATRS World Conference. (2008). Vancouver, BC, Canada: Air Transport Research Society. jetcareers.com. (n.d.). Becoming an Airline Pilot. Retrieved August 14, 2014, from http://www.jetcareers.com/becoming-an-airline-pilot.html Read More