Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Airline pilots command commercial aircraft that transport passengers and cargo across regional, national, and international routes. They work in teams with copilots and sometimes flight engineers to operate complex, multi-engine aircraft safely and efficiently. Before each flight, they review weather conditions, check aircraft systems, calculate fuel requirements, and coordinate with air traffic control. During flight, the captain serves as the primary decision-maker while the copilot assists with communications, navigation, and monitoring instruments. Flight engineers, when present on older aircraft, manage mechanical and electrical systems throughout the journey.