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53-2012.00 · Task explorer

Commercial Pilots: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.

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Read the task inventory

This source lists 24 tasks, including 19 marked Core and 5 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2024.

24 tasks shown

Core · Task 10587 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.

Core · Task 20831 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.

Core · Task 10591 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.

Core · Task 10595 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.

Core · Task 10590 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.

Core · Task 10592 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.

Core · Task 10588 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

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

Core · Task 10594 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.

Core · Task 10589 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

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

Core · Task 10596 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.

Core · Task 10593 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.

Core · Task 10605 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.

Core · Task 10598 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.

Core · Task 10600 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Write specified information in flight records, such as flight times, altitudes flown, and fuel consumption.

Core · Task 10599 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control, and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.

Core · Task 10608 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance.

Core · Task 10607 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Supervise other crew members.

Core · Task 10597 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Request changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate.

Core · Task 10604 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

File instrument flight plans with air traffic control so that flights can be coordinated with other air traffic.

Supplemental · Task 10606 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Rescue and evacuate injured persons.

Supplemental · Task 10602 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations.

Supplemental · Task 10609 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Fly with other pilots or pilot-license applicants to evaluate their proficiency.

Supplemental · Task 10610 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.

Supplemental · Task 10601 · 08/2024 · Incumbent

Teach company regulations and procedures to other pilots.

Make the shortlist useful

  1. Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
  2. For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
  3. Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.