INTRODUCTION

 

 

Aircraft pilots and flight engineers are highly trained professionals who fly airplanes or helicopters and work in a variety of industries. The most common is commercial pilots who transport passengers and cargo. Pilots are also engaged in jobs like crop dusting, firefighting efforts, monitoring traffic, and rescuing injured people or in emergency evacuations.

 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

 

Careful planning is involved before every flight. Pilots need to thoroughly check their aircraft to make sure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly. This includes checks on baggage or cargo.

Pilots then check with flight dispatchers and aviation weather forecasters to find out about weather conditions en route and at their destination. Armed with this information, they choose a route, altitude, and speed that will provide the safest, most economical, and smoothest flight.

 

A cockpit usually has two pilots except on small aircrafts. The more experienced pilot usually takes charge and commands the crew. Takeoff and landing are the most difficult parts of the flight, and require close coordination between the two pilots. Usually, the pilot who is flying the take off concentrates on the runway while the other pilot scans the instrument panel and informs the flying pilot on when to pull back controls.

 

Although most flights are relatively routine, bad weather can mean a need to change the flight altitude and careful flight management to detect sudden shifts in wind conditions that can cause crashes. Pilots must rely completely on their instruments when visibility is poor. These instruments help them determine how high above ground they are and whether they can fly safely over mountains and other obstacles.

 

Some pilots work as flight instructors. They teach at ground-school classes, in simulators, and in dual-controlled planes and helicopters. A few specially trained pilots work as examiners who periodically fly with other pilots or pilot’s license applicants to make sure that they are proficient.

 

Employment and places of work

 

Due to the nature of their work, most pilots spend a considerable amount of time away from home. They are given hotel accommodation, transportation between the hotel and airport, and an allowance for meals and other expenses.

Airline pilots who fly long-haul flights often experience jet lag. To prevent fatigue, pilots have to abide by strict rules that require them to have a minimum number of hours of uninterrupted rest. Pilots also have a limit on the maximum hours they can fly a month or a year.

 

Other commercial pilots face a variety of job hazards. Rescue pilots face dangerous situations and those involved in crop dusting may come into contact with toxic chemicals.

 

Areas Covered by Programmes

Those interested in getting a pilot’s license can get the PPL (Private Pilot License), Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) if they wish to fly as captain on a large aircraft.

 

A full PPL license requires at least 45 hours of flying, but most of the students will fly up to 70 hours before taking the test. Students are also required to undergo a medical examination, and sit for practical and written assessments.

 

Just like the PPL license, obtaining a CPL license involves a medical examination, and practical and written assessments. Students need a minimum of 200 flying hours and have at least Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification with a credit in English, Mathematics and a Science subject.

 

Subsequently, a pilot with a CPL may choose to pursue an ATPL which involves more assessments and longer flying hours.