In Flight - Pilot  Flight Engineer or Second Officer
General Information
For many pilots both professional and recreational, the ultimate job is to be an airline captain. Most airline pilots start out as first officer (co-pilot) with a regional carrier. When they join a major airline, their first position may not be as a pilot, but as a flight engineer.

Other piloting jobs include flight instructor, corporate pilot, charter pilot, test pilot, and agricultural pilot. Many people enjoy these kinds of flying - each with its own set of challenges and rewards - and wouldn't think of trading their jobs for that of airline pilot.

While the various kinds of piloting jobs involve a variety of special circumstances, there are a number of conditions that are common to all pilots. All pilots flying for hire have progressed through a flight training program and have earned a commercial pilot's license or an airline transport rating. Most likely they will also have one or more advanced ratings such as instrument, multi-engine or aircraft type ratings depending upon the requirements of their particular flying jobs. more >>