Safety is the number one concern for those working as a professional pilot. These skilled individuals must maintain a keen sense of awareness at all times, following numerous checklists and daily routines. The job consists not only of operating aircraft safely and efficiently but also pre-flight tasks including inspections and flight planning measures.
There are numerous outlets of employment for those with proper qualifications, ranging from captains and first officers for commercial airlines and cargo companies, to positions providing helicopter flights for emergency personnel and news agencies. Requirements vary, though all professionals must have at least a commercial license, a medical certificate, numerous hours of flight time and typically an instrument rating. ATP certification is required for passenger operations.
Salaries vary significantly in Canada for the different kinds of pilot positions; those working for regional commercial passenger services typically see about
$60,000 per year up to
$100,000 for major carriers, whilst those flying helicopters and aircraft for military forces will normally see figures from around
$45,000 to
$70,000 per year.