Extra pay is given for night and international flights. Generally, pilots working outside the airlines earn lower salaries. Usually, pilots who fly jet aircraft earn higher salaries than non-jet pilots. Airline pilots generally are eligible for life and health insurance plans financed by the airlines. They also receive retirement benefits and, if they fail the FAA physical examination, disability payments.
Some airlines provide allowances to pilots for purchasing and cleaning their uniforms.
As an additional benefit, pilots and their immediate families usually are entitled to reduced or free fare transportation on their own and other airlines. Those employed by the major airlines are members of the Allied Pilots Association. Although they are not in the cockpit, air traffic controllers and dispatchers also play an important role in making sure flights are safe and on schedule, and participate in many of the decisions pilots must make. Sources of Additional Information Information about job opportunities in a particular airline, and the qualifications required, may be obtained by writing to the personnel manager of the airline. 1709 New York Ave.