Pilot (Military Specific)

Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.

Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.

Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.

Record in log books information such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.

Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities.

File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic.

Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance.

Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.

Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.

Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.

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.

Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.

Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.

Evaluate other pilots or pilot-license applicants for proficiency.

Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.

Load smaller aircraft, handling passenger luggage and supervising refueling.

Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.

Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.

Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights.

Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.

Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.

Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.

Test and evaluate the performance of new aircraft.

Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.

Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.

Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.