Pilots are highly trained professionals who either fly airplanes or helicopters. Before departure, pilots plan their flights carefully. They thoroughly check their aircraft to make sure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly. They also make sure that baggage or cargo has been loaded correctly. They confer with flight dispatchers and aviation weather forecasters to find out about weather conditions

Work Conditions
Pilots are required to travel and have irregular hours and stay away from home quite a bit. However, when pilots are away from home, the airlines provide hotel accommodations, transportation between the hotel and airport, and an allowance for meals and other expenses.

Training and Education