medium risk

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Also known as: Air Force Pilot, Aircraft Captain, Aircraft Pilot, Airline Captain, Airline Captain (Line Pilot), Airline Pilot, Airline Pilot (Captain), Airline Pilot Flight Instructor, Airline Pilot/First Officer, Airline Transport Pilot

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing, multi-engine aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport Pilot certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, National, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

Higher risk than 51% of occupations

AI Impact Summary

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 37/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 51% of all analyzed occupations. Of 26 analyzed tasks, 9 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.

Skill Impact Analysis

AI-Vulnerable

AI-Resistant

AI-Augmented

AI-Vulnerable

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Information Ordering5%

High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

AI-Resistant

Complex Problem Solving75%

Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Manual Dexterity80%

Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

+14 more skills

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

High School Diploma2%

Some College18%

Post-Secondary Certificate4%

Associate's Degree4%

Bachelor's Degree61%

Doctoral/Professional Degree12%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

1-2 years12%

2-4 years25%

4-6 years30%

6-8 years11%

8-10 years3%

Over 10 years18%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

Up to 1 month32%

1-3 months32%

6 months - 1 year4%

1-2 years4%

4-6 years12%

6-8 years16%

How AI Impacts Each Task

26 tasks analyzed

Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.

Risk: 15.0%AI: 0Time: 5%

Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 50Time: 6%

Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0Time: 11%

Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.

Risk: 77.2%AI: 70Time: 5%

Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.

Risk: 83.2%AI: 85Time: 8%

Task	AI Capability	Risk	Time %
Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.	0	15.0%	5%
Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.	50	47.0%	6%
Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.	0	9.0%	11%
Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.	70	77.2%	5%
Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.	85	83.2%	8%

Protective Factors

Total protective discount: 27.1%

Essential Soft Skills

Traits that are hard for AI to replicate

Attention to DetailDependabilityLeadershipStress ToleranceSelf ControlAchievement/EffortPersistenceIntegrityCooperationAdaptability/FlexibilityAnalytical ThinkingInitiative