Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 53-2011.00
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Moderate· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.000
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.27
0.09Range of values carried here0.70Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
Task-level exposure
Show 25 hidden tasks26 rated tasks · 16 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (61.5%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- 2 rated tasks are not in the O*NET 31.0 task list; their scores are kept as published for O*NET 27.2.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % |
|---|---|
Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.53-2011.00 | 0.0030100.0 |
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Record in log books information, such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.O*NET Task ID 10578 | 1.0 |
Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.O*NET Task ID 10579 | 1.0 |
Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.O*NET Task ID 10562 | 0.5 |
Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.O*NET Task ID 10563 | 0.5 |
Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.O*NET Task ID 10565 | 0.5 |
Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.O*NET Task ID 10570 | 0.5 |
Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.O*NET Task ID 10571 | 0.5 |
Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.O*NET Task ID 10572 | 0.5 |
Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.O*NET Task ID 10573 | 0.5 |
Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.O*NET Task ID 10574 | 0.5 |
Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.O*NET Task ID 10575 | 0.5 |
Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities.O*NET Task ID 10577 | 0.5 |
File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic.O*NET Task ID 10580 | 0.5 |
Evaluate other pilots or pilot-license applicants for proficiency.O*NET Task ID 10584 | 0.5 |
Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.O*NET Task ID 10586 | 0.5 |
Test and evaluate the performance of new aircraft.O*NET Task ID 20312 | 0.5 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (24)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor. | Core |
| Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions. | Core |
| Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings. | Core |
| Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment. | Core |
| Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers. | Core |
| Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed. | Core |
| Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures. | Core |
| Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists. | Core |
| Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met. | Core |
| Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights. | Core |
| Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions. | Core |
| Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights. | Core |
| Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights. | Core |
| Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights. | Core |
| Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities. | Core |
| Record in log books information, such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption. | Core |
| Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems. | Core |
| Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight. | Core |
| Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures. | Supplemental |
| File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic. | Supplemental |
| Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance. | Supplemental |
| 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. | Supplemental |
| Evaluate other pilots or pilot-license applicants for proficiency. | Supplemental |
| Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports. | Supplemental |
0.52/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor. | E2 structured facilities |
| Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions. | E0 none |
| Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings. | E2 structured facilities |
| Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers. | E2 structured facilities |
| Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed. | E2 structured facilities |
| Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures. | E0 none |
| Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists. | E0 none |
| Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight. | E0 none |
| Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| 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. | E0 none |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 105K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 113K
- Change (2025–35)
- +8.3%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $232,140
- Typical education needed for entry
- Bachelor's degree
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23811 | 비행기 조종사 | This occupation is narrower | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 3153Aircraft Pilots and Related Associate Professionals
The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.
Aircraft pilots and related associate professionals control the operation of mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment, in order to navigate aircraft for transporting passengers, mail and freight, and perform related pre-flight and in-flight tasks.
Tasks
- (a) flying and navigating aircraft in accordance with established control and operating procedures;
- (b) preparing and submitting flight plan or examining standard flight plan;
- (c) controlling the operation of mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment and ensuring that all instruments and controls work properly;
- (d) applying knowledge of principles and practices of flying in order to identify and solve problems arising in the course of their work;
- (e) examining maintenance records and conducting inspections to ensure that aircraft are mechanically sound, maintenance has been performed and that all equipment is operational.;
- (f) signing necessary certificates and maintaining official records of flight;
- (g) obtaining briefings and clearances before flights and maintaining contact with air traffic or flight control during flight.
Example occupations
Aerial crop sprayer · Flight Engineer · Flying instructor · Navigator (flight) · Pilot (aircraft)
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- aircraft pilotESCO 3153.2Same scope
Aircraft pilots control and navigate aircraft. They operate the mechanical and electrical systems of the aircraft and transport people, mail and freight.
- airline transport pilotESCO 3153.2.2.1This occupation is broader
Airline transport pilots fly large aircrafts with a maximum take-off weight of more than 5700 kilograms, to transport passengers, mail, or freight on long or short-haul flights for leisure, business or commercial purposes. They have the overall responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of aircrafts and the safety of crew and passengers.
- astronautESCO 3153.3This occupation is broader
Astronauts are crew members commanding spacecrafts for operations beyond low Earth orbit or higher than the regular altitude reached by commercial flights. They orbit the Earth in order to perform operations such as scientific research and experiments, launching or release of satellites, and building of space stations.
- co-pilotESCO 3153.2.1This occupation is broader
Co-pilots are responsible for assisting captains by monitoring the flight instruments, handling radio communications, watching for air traffic, and taking over for the pilot as needed. They adhere to the pilot's commands, flight plans, and regulations and procedures of aviation national authorities, companies, and airports.
- commercial pilotESCO 3153.2.2This occupation is broader
Commercial pilots navigate flight of fixed-wing and multi-engine aircrafts for the transport of passengers and cargo.
- flight instructorESCO 3153.2.3This occupation is broader
Flight instructors train both new and experienced pilots seeking to gain licences or experience in flying new aircraft, how to properly operate an aircraft according to regulations. They teach their students both the theory and practice of how to optimally fly and maintain an airplane, and they observe and evaluate student technique. They also focus on the regulations relating to operational and safety procedures specific to different (commercial) airline aircraft.
- second officerESCO 3153.2.6This occupation is broader
Second officers are responsible for monitoring and controlling various aircraft systems including fixed-wing and rotary wing. They work in close coordination with the two pilots during all phases of flight. They make pre-flight, inflight, and post flight inspections, adjustments, and minor repairs. They verify parameters such as passenger and cargo distribution, the amount of fuel, aircraft performance, and appropriate engine speed according to instructions of pilots.
- air force pilotESCO 0310.1Overlapping, not the same
Air force pilots operate aircrafts in combat missions, patrol missions, or search and rescue missions. They ensure aircraft maintenance, and communicate with air force bases and other vessels to ensure safety and efficiency in operations.
- helicopter pilotESCO 3153.2.4Overlapping, not the same
Helicopter pilots fly helicopters in order to transport passengers and cargo from one place to another. They plan flights using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments. Prior to departure, they inspect helicopters following checklists to detect leaking hydraulic fluid, inoperative control, low fuel level, or other unsafe conditions.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| N2102 | Pilote de ligne | Same scopeprovisional |
| N2103 | Pilote instructeur / Pilote instructrice aéronautique | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 3153 | Pilotos de aviación y profesionales afines | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 52314 | Piloten/Pilotinnen und Verkehrsflugzeugführer/innen - hoch komplexe Tätigkeiten | This occupation is broader |
| 52384 | Fahrzeugführer/innen im Flugverkehr (sonstige spezifische Tätigkeitsangabe) - hoch komplexe Tätigkeiten | This occupation is broader |
| 52313 | Piloten/Pilotinnen und Verkehrsflugzeugführer/innen - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | Overlapping, not the same |
| 51594 | Führungskräfte - Überwachung und Steuerung des Verkehrsbetriebs | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 624 | 航空機操縦士 | This occupation is narrower |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources