Pilots fly fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to transport passengers and freight and provide other services including search and rescue, aerial surveying and spraying and crop dusting. They may also test new aircraft. Flight engineers monitor engines, fuel consumption and functioning of aircraft systems during flight, and may assist in flying. Flying instructors teach student pilots procedures and techniques of flying aircraft and ground-school subjects such as navigation, radio procedures and flying regulations. People in this occupation must complete high school, graduate from a certified flying or aviation school and have a commercial pilot's licence.
Many recent entrants have a community college diploma.
People in this occupation may require a university degree or college diploma. Pilots may need additional licences or endorsements to fly different types of aircraft. Some employers may provide structured training for pilots and flight engineers. Over the next five years, this outlook is not expected to change, as the number of job openings is expected to be matched by the number of qualified job seekers. Continued restructuring and increased competition in the air industry may affect the demand for pilots.