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Airline Pilot

Airline pilots fly aircraft that carry passengers, cargo, and mail. On commercial flights, a captain and first officer usually work together.

Also Known As

Airplane Pilot, Pilot

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2271.1: Pilots

2006 NOC-S

  • C171: Air Pilots, Flight Engineers and Flying Instructors

2011 NOC

  • 2271: Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors

2016 NOC

  • 2271: Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors

2021 NOC

  • 72600: Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors

2023 OaSIS

  • 72600.01: Air pilots
Duties
Updated Apr 05, 2022

The captain and first officer on an airplane, also known as pilot and co-pilot, are both qualified pilots. They arrive at the terminal about 1 hour before flight time. They:

  • Check the weather for the route
  • Prepare the flight plan
  • Brief the crew on routine and unique details expected during the flight
  • Complete external and internal aircraft inspections

Inside the cockpit, while the passengers board and ground workers load cargo, the pilots do final checks of:

  • Emergency equipment
  • Flight instruments
  • Radios
  • Electronic equipment
  • Fuel load

Pilots must focus and make sound decisions as they guide the airplane through takeoff, climb-out, descent, and landing. In the air, pilots:

  • Manage aircraft controls
  • Steer the aircraft to maintain planned routing or any deviations required for weather or traffic
  • Reach and maintain the desired altitude
  • Report the aircraft’s position to air traffic control
  • Calculate and change flight plans as needed, including diverting to alternate airports
  • Enter data in the aircraft log
  • Monitor aircraft systems
  • Monitor transmissions from air traffic control about traffic, clearances, and weather
  • Make announcements to passengers

Pilots’ specific duties vary depending on the type of aircraft and the length and nature of the flight.

Working Conditions
Updated Apr 05, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Airline pilots can have dynamic, exciting, and rewarding careers. Key benefits include travelling the world, meeting and working with many different professionals, and enjoying continuous professional development. All airline pilots must be prepared to work varied hours, including weekends and holidays. Most pilots spend about 75 hours a month in the air plus preparation time on the ground. They may be assigned blocks of flight times by seniority. Their schedules are usually created for 1 to 3 months at a time. They have rotating days on call and days off.

Small charter airlines fly on a demand basis (with no pre-set schedule). Pilots may need to work irregular hours. Pilots on charter and corporate flights may have long wait periods between flights. They may spend long periods away from home.

Pilots spend much of their time in closely spaced aircraft cockpits. Aviation is a dynamic environment and pilots need to gather data and use sound judgement to manage it.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in driving - operating fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to provide services such as search-and-rescue operations, aerial surveying and spraying and crop dusting

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing information to test new aircraft to evaluate performance

DIRECTIVE

Interest in speaking with crews to direct their activities during flights as captain or co-pilot and in performing captain's duties as first officer, if required; in training other pilots on new equipment, and in preparing them for examinations to validate and upgrade existing licences

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Apr 05, 2022

Pilots need:

  • Spatial perception
  • Motor coordination
  • Judgment
  • An ability to make decisions and act methodically
  • Strong leadership qualities
  • An ability to work well on a team in a fast-paced environment

Pilots should enjoy operating aircraft and related equipment. They should enjoy evaluating aircraft performance. They should be comfortable directing the work of the crew.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors

2016 NOC: 2271

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 72 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 04, 2022 and Dec 20, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Fly fixed wing aircrafts or helicopters
Work Site Environment: Commercial aviation
Team player
Work under pressure
Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Commercial Pilot Licence - fixed wing
Excellent oral communication
Tasks: Maintain communications with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters and respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions
Client focus
Tasks: Co-ordinate flight activities with ground crews and air-traffic control, inform crew members of flight and test procedures and direct activities of aircraft crew during flights
Organized
Educational Requirements
Updated Apr 05, 2022
  • Minimum Education High school diploma

Pilots should have at least a high school diploma. As applications to fly with a major airline far outnumber positions, a post-secondary degree or diploma is a definite asset. A solid understanding of math and physics is beneficial.

English is the international language of aviation, so pilots must be fluent in spoken and written English. In Canada, fluency in French can be an asset.

All pilots must have a Transport Canada Restricted Area (security) pass. Pilots who fly out of country must hold a current Canadian passport. They must also pass a criminal record check.

If you apply to fly only within Canada, a limited criminal record might not stand in your way. See Finding Work with a Criminal Record.  

Airline pilots usually are 20 to 35 years of age when they start working with an airline. They should have no physical limitations that could affect the safe handling of an aircraft. They must pass the annual Transport Canada physical exam.

This does not mean they have to be in “perfect” health. They must be able to show a qualified aviation medical examiner that their health issue is well controlled by standard treatment protocols.

Pilots can have less than 20/20 vision if they have glasses or contact lenses that correct their vision to 20/20.  Their vision can also be corrected by refractive (laser) eye surgery.

The minimum licensing requirement for commercial pilots is:

  • A Canadian Commercial Pilot’s Licence
  • Night endorsement
  • Instrument flight rating
  • A Canadian Radio Telephone (Restricted) Licence

Most airlines require pilots to have:

  • An Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence
  • Multi-engine endorsement
  • Class I Instrument Rating
  • Several thousand hours of flying time
  • An advanced-training ground-school course on aviation subjects or related post-secondary education
  • Previous commercial flying experience

Private flying clubs and post-secondary schools throughout Alberta offer training programs. Costs for qualified instructors and plane rentals vary. For a list of flight schools in Alberta, please go to the Government of Canada website.

Those interested in commercial pilot training usually need to have a private pilot’s licence. They must meet all Transport Canada requirements. This includes a Category 1 Aviation medical. Pilots should be at least 18 years of age prior to taking the test.

After they start working, pilots must continue to study operating manuals. This is to keep up to date with facilities, equipment, and procedures.

Pilots must complete practice and check flights. These are done in flight simulators and aircraft. They need to do this often to requalify for their licences. Depending on their employer, they may need to complete various annual exams. They may also need to attend crew resource management courses.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Mount Royal University

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Apr 05, 2022
  • Certification Not Regulated

Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, flying a plane requires a pilot’s licence. Pilots must also undergo licensing through Transport Canada (see Educational Requirements for more detail).

Employment & Advancement
Updated Apr 05, 2022

Competition is strong. Pilots looking for work should be willing to move. Prior industry experience is essential. Examples include working as a dispatcher, flight attendant, or baggage handler. Other entry-level jobs for pilots may include:

  • Non-flying positions for charter companies
  • Helping prepare aircraft for flights
  • Becoming a first officer on a charter airplane

Pilots also may find work as flight instructors.

Pilots starting with major airlines must complete a 2- or 3-month course. Then they are assigned to a pilot base. They may start as first officers on medium- or short-range aircraft. Promotions depend upon ability and seniority. Opportunities to move into executive jobs are limited, with post-secondary education in business being a considerable asset.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
2016 NOC: 2271

81.6% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
2021 NOC: 72600
Medium
Demand
2,300
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
2016 NOC: 2271
4.8%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
147
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is generally low in this occupation but is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Apr 05, 2022

Pilots’ salaries increase according to years of experience and factors such as aircraft size and overseas flight pay. Other employee benefits depend on the company. There can be large variations in pay depending on rank, such as first officer versus captain.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors

2016 NOC: 2271
Average Wage
$36.39
Per Hour
Average Salary
$75,257.00
Per Year
Average Hours
45.8
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.2
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2271 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $57.54 $25.13 $21.15
Overall $23.40 $66.34 $36.39 $33.64
Top $25.48 $67.49 $54.86 $60.10

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Transportation and Warehousing
Educational Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
63%
63%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
56%
56%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
5%
5%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Aviation
Other Sources of Information
Updated Apr 05, 2022

Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC) website: www.atac.ca

Transport Canada website: www.tc.gc.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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