An airline pilot is someone who flies an airplane, either by operating its wing structure or its horizontal flight controls, through visual movement or sensed movements in the air. A pilot can be a military person, a commercial airline pilot, a helicopter pilot, a glider pilot, or any other type of pilot who flies aircraft for a living. Some pilots, like commercial airline pilots, are required to have additional training, but other types of pilots can become pilots without additional training by undertaking an advanced pilot training program.

There are several different types of pilots, with different levels of education, experience, and flying skills. Some pilots may begin their careers as aerospace engineers, who study aircraft structure and function. These pilots generally complete at least one year of training and must pass examinations specific to that type of airplane. After this first experience, more advanced pilots may work their way up to becoming an airline pilot, performing more difficult tasks in more challenging environments. Flight instructors, such as military veterans or pilots with a professional pilot certificate, may work with airlines to complete their flight lessons.

Commercial pilots generally start out as flight attendants who are responsible for ensuring that passengers arrive safely at all airports. They typically perform general duties during flights, such as carrying passengers to their seats, keeping track of their records, and ensuring that all necessary documentation is in place. After a few years of flying, commercial pilots may begin to perform more complex duties, typically relating to routes, scheduling, and landing operations.

pilots, like other pilots, must meet a minimum requirement for training and licensing as a qualified pilot. To qualify, pilots must complete a training program that includes ground instruction and a sufficient amount of time in an airplane. This training is designed to provide students with the knowledge they need to safely fly an airplane. In addition to the training component, pilots will also need to undergo examinations that test their basic knowledge of flight rules and regulations, along with specific training regarding weather conditions. pilots will then be required to successfully pass a final examination in order to become licensed.

The third step in becoming a pilot involves gaining a basic level of situational awareness by training in a variety of scenarios that will be most often faced during flights. This part of the process is referred to as pre-flight. Pilots will learn the proper procedures for addressing potential emergencies, managing flight conditions, and implementing a plan for taking-off, while in flight. Learning to implement a proper emergency plan can help pilots avoid the need to make emergency landings.

Once pilots have gained their basic flying skills, they will be required to complete a supervised flight time. Many airlines will only allow pilots to log flight time within a certain amount of time after which they will be required to earn additional flight time. Although pilots may encounter challenges throughout their career, understanding the fundamentals of aviation will greatly reduce the likelihood of encountering an emergency while flying.