Commercial Pilots

<ul><li>Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.</li><li>Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.</li><li>Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.</li><li>Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.</li><li>Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.</li><li>Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.</li><li>Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.</li><li>File instrument flight plans with air traffic control so that flights can be coordinated with other air traffic.</li><li>Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.</li><li>Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.</li><li>Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.</li><li>Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.</li><li>Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.</li><li>Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control, and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.</li><li>Request changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate.</li><li>Write specified information in flight records, such as flight times, altitudes flown, and fuel consumption.</li><li>Supervise other crew members.</li><li>Fly with other pilots or pilot-license applicants to evaluate their proficiency.</li></ul>