Commercial Pilots

TASKS

1. Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other
systems are functioning properly.
2. Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information,
using radio equipment.
3. Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight,
while adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
4. Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during
flights.
5. Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and
directions in order to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
6. Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
7. Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight
schedules in order to determine flight plans, and to see if changes might be necessary.
8. Plan flights, following government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and
navigation instruments.
9. Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
10. Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.
11. Request changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate.
12. Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.
13. Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air-traffic control, and inform crew
members of flight and test procedures.
14. Write specified information in flight records, such as flight times, altitudes flown, and fuel
consumption.
15. Teach company regulations and procedures to other pilots.
16. Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations.
17. Co-pilot aircraft, or perform captain's duties if required.
18. File instrument flight plans with air traffic control so that flights can be coordinated with
other air traffic.
19. Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather, in
order to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.
20. Rescue and evacuate injured persons.
21. Supervise other crew members.
22. Perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance.
23. Fly with other pilots or pilot-license applicants to evaluate their proficiency.
24. Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules, and prepare flight evaluation reports.
25. Pilot airplanes or helicopters over farmlands at low altitudes to dust or spray fields with
fertilizers, fungicides, or pesticides.
26. Check the flight performance of new and experimental planes.

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