Who is a pilot and what do they do? The pilot’s job is to fly airplanes.
What are the activities of the job? Piloting aircraft (incl. helicopters) with the use of navigation instruments and aircraft computer systems with the aim of high-quality, safe and economical flight operations, in compliance with all the valid standards and regulations, incl. handling of emergency situations and decision making in critical moments (e.g. technical failures, sudden changes in weather conditions, etc.). Auxiliary pilot (or co-pilot) activities (i.e. if the captain or first officer flies the airplane), which include controlling aero-engines, auxiliary control systems, communication with air traffic control (ATC), navigation duties using navigation systems and instruments. Other activities include studying the flight schedule and weather forecast, consulting on various aspects with the captain/first officer and other crew members, pre-flight checking of aircraft equipment and instruments, communication with the airport control tower and other air bases, cooperation with the captain/first officer in the preparation of flight schedules, calculation of fuel consumption, etc. If the aircraft is approved for single-pilot flights, the pilot authorised to fly such an airplane becomes automatically the captain.
Where is it done and under what conditions? In an aircraft environment, which, of course, involves having to cope with high-altitude conditions, working on shifts day or night, and, because you are travelling over long distances, also with changing weather conditions.
What tools/equipment do they use? These include all the equipment used for flying a plane, such as navigation and diagnostic systems, on-board computers, communications equipment, flight maps, airport manuals, etc.
What do you need to succeed? You must have completed college education, but a university degree with a specialisation in aviation technology is recommended. In addition, pilot training is required for a commercial pilot’s licence (in the case of military pilots relevant military regulations apply) and, finally, you need training in the particular aircraft type you are flying based on official schemes (these abilities are subject to periodically repeated checks). In addition, adequate physical abilities, good eyesight and hearing, ability to concentrate, fast judgement and reactions, accuracy, reliability, self-discipline, ability to work in a team and to improvise when necessary.