Special navigation radios give pilots precise information which, with the help of special maps, tells them their exact position. Airline pilots have the services of large support staffs and consequently perform few nonflying duties. Pilots employed by careeres that use their own aircraft, however, usually are the careeres' only experts on flying and, consequently, have many other duties. They may load the plane, handle all passenger luggage to insure a balanced load, and supervise refueling. Other nonflying responsibilities include keeping records, scheduling flights, arranging for major maintenance, and performing minor maintenance and repair work on their planes.
Some pilots are instructors.
They periodically fly with each airline pilot and copilot to make sure that they are proficient. By law, airline pilots cannot fly more than 100 hours a month or more than 1,000 hours a year. Most airline pilots fly an average of 80 hours a month and work an additional 80 hours a month performing nonflying duties. The majority of flights involve layovers away from home. When pilots are away from home, the airlines provide hotel accommodations and an allowance for expenses.