Main Duties *
Fly fixed wing aircraft or helicopters to transport passengers and freight
Provide services such as search and rescue, aerial surveying or spraying and crop dusting
Direct activities of aircraft crew during flight, as captain of aircraft
Co-pilot aircraft and perform captain's duties if required, as first officer
Test new aircraft to evaluate aircraft performance
Train pilots to use new equipment, or prepare them for examination to re-validate or upgrade existing licences.
Monitor operation of engines, fuel consumption and functioning of aircraft systems during flight
Assist captain and first officer in operation of aircraft as second officer.
Instruct student pilots in procedures and techniques of flying aircraft and in ground-school subjects such as navigation, radio procedures and flying regulations
Employment Requirements
Pilots and Flight Engineers
Completion of secondary school and graduation from a certified flying or aviation school are required.
A commercial pilot's licence is required.
Additional licences or endorsements to fly different types of aircraft are required for pilots.
A university degree or college diploma may be required.
Structured training may be provided by employers.
Flight Instructors
Completion of secondary school and graduation from a certified flying or aviation school are required.
A commercial pilot's licence is required.
Transport Canada ratings and endorsements to provide instruction on different types of aircraft are required.
A university degree or college diploma may be required. *
Nature of Work
Pilots fly fixed wing aircraft and helicopters to provide air transportation and other services. Flight engineers (second officers) monitor the functioning of aircraft during flight and may assist in flying aircraft. Flying instructors teach flying techniques and procedures to student and licensed pilots. Air pilots, flight engineers and flight instructors are employed by airline and air freight companies, flying schools, the armed forces and by other public and private sector aircraft operators. *
