Commercial Pilot vs. Airline Pilot

Joshua Green

Duties and Working Conditions Pilot (commercial)

• Commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes or helicopters.

• Commercial pilots fly aircraft for reasons such as – charter flights – rescue operations– firefighting– aerial photography– crop dusting

Working conditions can vary from very large and spacious cockpits to small complex ones depending on the make and model of aircraft.

Training, Qualifications, and Advancement Opportunities

Pilot (commercial)

• To become a pilot you need to get the specific license from the FAA(Federal Aviation Administration) – To become a commercial pilot

you must be at least 18 years old and have at least 250 hours of flight experience.

– A strict physical exam– Written test – And demonstrate ability to a

FAA examiner

• Commercial pilots also have irregular schedules, typically flying between 30 hours and 90 hours each month.

• Usually advancement into a piloting career takes a definite path – Private pilot– Flight instructor – Commercial pilot

Earnings and BenefitsPilot (commercial)

• $67,500 median wage• Benefits can vary depending on the job you

get • You get to choose when and what job you

want to do

EducationPilot (commercial)

• For education I was thinking about Western Michigan University for Aviation Flight Science

• I am thinking Western because of how many different aircraft I will get to work on and learn on. Both single and double prop planes along with low wing and high wind aircraft.

• Also I can get an IFR rating or even a Flight instructor rating.

Duties and Working Conditions Airline Pilot

• work for airline companies that transport passengers and cargo according to fixed schedules.

• Some airline pilots may have to help handle customer complaints.

• Airline pilots fly for airlines that transport people and cargo on a fixed schedule

• Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month doing nonflight duties.

Training, Qualifications, and Advancement Opportunities

Airline Pilot

• Applicants must be at least 23 years old, have a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time, and pass written and flight exams.

• Some also need an instrument rating so they can fly during periods of low visibility. This is a written exam and a demonstration to an examiner

• With proper training, airline pilots may also be deputized as federal law enforcement officers and be issued firearms to protect the cockpit.

• Usually advancement into a piloting career takes a definite path – Private pilot– Flight instructor – Commercial pilot– And finally airline pilot

Earnings and BenefitsAirline Pilot

• Airline and Commercial Pilots $92,060 median wage • Usually receive life and health insurance coverage for

themselves and even for their family members.• You get to see the country and even the world as you

fly over• Chances are you will be required to have a day off

with no flying after an international flight• You can become a registered

EducationAirline Pilot

• I was thinking about going to Eastern Michigan University to get a Bachelor in Science in Aviation Flight Technology because if I do this it will certify me up to being a flight instructor.

• Often if you wish to be a pilot many companies often require a 2 year degree in English, math, physics, or aeronautical engineering.

Similarities• You will be flying planes• These careers are similar in

that both you need to have at least a commercial certificate

• Both can have a very hectic working schedule

Differences • If you are an airline pilot

you need an IFR rating• You need to be older and

have more flight hours to be an airline pilot

• Commercial pilots often do their own work on their planes

Preference

• I think I would prefer to be an airline pilot because I want to fly around the world, and I would prefer to not work on my own plane.

• Also the work schedule for an airline pilot is better set then a commercial pilot.

MLA

• http://commercialpilotsalary.org/• http://

www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm#tab-4

• http://www.wmich.edu/aviation/index.html• http://extended.emich.edu/aviation/index.aspx