Home › Transportation & Material Moving › Commercial Pilots

How a commercial pilot can use AI, task by task

O*NET 53-2012.00: Commercial Pilots24 tasksJob Zone 3: Medium preparation

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Captain, Charter Pilot, Check Airman, Commercial Helicopter Pilot, Commercial Pilot, EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot), First Officer, Helicopter Pilot, Line Pilot, Pilot.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 8%AI-assist 28%Stays human 64%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 2 AI-ready, 7 AI-assist and 15 human-led tasks out of 24. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.Plan & schedule · Several times a day
Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.Plan & schedule · Daily
Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.Read & digest · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.Watch & inspect · Several times a day
Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.Watch & inspect · Daily
Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.Be there for people · Several times a day

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 2

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Write specified information in flight records, such as flight times, altitudes flown, and fuel consumption.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to write specified information in flight records, such as flight times, altitudes flown, and fuel consumption.

Trips: [describe]
Data: [passengers, hours, bookings]

Draft records or reports. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Trip or travel record

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you write specified information in flight records (today).

Step 2Fill in [Trips] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Record operational details of travel..

Perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance.

Monthly

AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist for you to adjust.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the goal, the people and the constraints, and AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist. You adjust it to what you know about real life on the ground.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance.

Context: We use Airdata and SBS International Maestro Suite; the work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Equipment or fleet: [list, hours or mileage]
Requirements: [manufacturer intervals]

Draft a preventive maintenance schedule and a tracking sheet. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Maintenance schedule

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work.

Step 2Fill in [Equipment or fleet] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Arrange maintenance activities.. Also involves: Maintain vehicles in good working condition..

AI can help you prep these 7

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.

Several times a day

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.

Context: We use Airdata and SBS International Maestro Suite; the work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Trip: [route, vehicle or aircraft, load]
Conditions: [weather, traffic, restrictions]

Compare routes and speeds for safety, time and cost. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Route and speed planning

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures and plane weights.

Step 2Fill in [Trip] and [Conditions] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Choose optimal transportation routes or speeds..

Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.

Daily

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.

Context: We use Airdata and SBS International Maestro Suite; the work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Flight: [route, aircraft, load]
Conditions: [weather, NOTAMs, regulations]

Organize the planning checklist and calculations to verify. Official tools and charts remain authoritative. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Flight planning

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you plan flights (today).

Step 2Fill in [Flight] and [Conditions] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use it as a planning aid only. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Plan flight operations..

Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.

Daily

AI gives you a first-pass summary; you still read the key parts.

Show prompt & steps

AI can pull out the key points and questions to look for. Use it as a first pass, then look closely yourself.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.

Context: We use doXstor Flight Level Logbook and Flight simulation software; the work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Order or schedule: [paste the work order, physician's order or schedule, private details removed]
What I'll do: [the procedure or operation]

List what the order requires, in sequence, and what I must confirm before starting (identity, materials, settings, contraindications). Flag anything missing or unusual.

10-minute exercise: Check orders before you start

Step 1Take the next order or schedule you'll work from.

Step 2Paste it into [Order or schedule], with names removed, and describe [What I'll do].

Step 3Use its confirmation list alongside your usual protocol. Your protocol wins if they differ.

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures..

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

Daily

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.

Context: We use Airdata and SBS International Maestro Suite; the work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Trip: [route, vehicle or aircraft, load]
Conditions: [weather, traffic, restrictions]

Compare routes and speeds for safety, time and cost. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Route and speed planning

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you choose routes, altitudes and speeds (today).

Step 2Fill in [Trip] and [Conditions] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Choose optimal transportation routes or speeds..

Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations.

Context: We use Airline Pilots Daily Aviation Log PPC and Electronic aircraft information databases; the work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Topic: [safety, procedures]
Staff: [drivers, technicians]

Plan training. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Transport crew training

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Staff] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Train transportation or material moving personnel..

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

Weekly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.

Context: We use Airdata and SBS International Maestro Suite; the work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Flight: [route, aircraft, load]
Conditions: [weather, NOTAMs, regulations]

Organize the planning checklist and calculations to verify. Official tools and charts remain authoritative. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Flight planning

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Flight] and [Conditions] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use it as a planning aid only.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Plan flight operations.. Also involves: Record operational details of travel..

Teach company regulations and procedures to other pilots.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to teach company regulations and procedures to other pilots.

Context: We use Airline Pilots Daily Aviation Log PPC; the work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Topic: [safety, procedures]
Staff: [drivers, technicians]

Plan training. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Transport crew training

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you teach company regulations and procedures.

Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Staff] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Train transportation or material moving personnel..

These stay human 15

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Responsible for others' health and safety: very high responsibility · Impact of decisions: very important results · Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time

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

Several times a day

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Engine or aircraft/vessel: [type, model]
Operating limits: [paste the limits from the manual]

Make a crib sheet of the parameters to scan, normal ranges, early warning signs and the first actions for each abnormal reading. Remind me to verify against the official checklist.

10-minute exercise: Engine monitoring crib sheet

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you monitor engine operation and fuel consumption.

Step 2Fill in [Engine or aircraft/vessel] and paste the [Operating limits].

Step 3Use it to brief yourself before the next trip.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor engine operation or functioning..

Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.

Daily

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Aircraft: [type]
Checklist: [paste the official pre-flight items]

Group the items into a logical walk-around flow and add what common defects look like. The official checklist remains the authority.

10-minute exercise: Pre-flight walk-around memory aid

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you check aircraft prior (today).

Step 2Fill in [Aircraft] and [Checklist] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use it to study, not to replace the checklist.

Importance 5.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Inspect aircraft or aircraft components..

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

Several times a day

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Situation: [reversing bus, ship schedules, yard moves]
Signals or channels: [radio, hand signals]

List clear calls or signals and what to do if communication fails. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Movement coordination

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you contact control towers.

Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Signals or channels] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement..

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

Daily

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Issue: [delay, conflict]
Who: [customers, contractors]

Prepare a resolution plan and conversation. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Resolve a transport operations issue

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you order changes in fuel supplies (today).

Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Resolve issues affecting transportation operations..

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

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Flight: [route, aircraft]
Phase: [departure, cruise, approach]

Summarize procedures and checks as study notes. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Flight prep notes

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you start engines (today).

Step 2Fill in [Flight] and [Phase] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Pilot aircraft..

Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.

Daily

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Vehicle and cargo: [type, weight, items]
Rules: [securement rules, weight limits]

Make a pre-departure check for cargo securing and balance, and what to recheck en route. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Cargo securing check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you check baggage or cargo (today).

Step 2Fill in [Vehicle and cargo] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Inspect cargo to ensure it is properly loaded or secured..

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

Daily

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control, and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Flight or operation: [describe]
Crew: [roles]

Prepare a crew briefing and coordination points. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Crew coordination

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Flight or operation] and [Crew] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate flight control or management activities..

Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Flight: [route, aircraft]
Phase: [departure, cruise, approach]

Summarize procedures and checks as study notes. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Flight prep notes

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you co-pilot aircraft (today).

Step 2Fill in [Flight] and [Phase] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Pilot aircraft..

Supervise other crew members.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to supervise other crew members.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Operation: [routes, shipments]
Team: [drivers, technicians]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Directing transport operations

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise other crew members (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [Team] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Direct passenger or freight transport activities..

Request changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to request changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Situation: [reversing bus, ship schedules, yard moves]
Signals or channels: [radio, hand signals]

List clear calls or signals and what to do if communication fails. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Movement coordination

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you request changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate (today).

Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Signals or channels] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement..

Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Flight: [route, aircraft]
Phase: [departure, cruise, approach]

Summarize procedures and checks as study notes. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Flight prep notes

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you use instrumentation.

Step 2Fill in [Flight] and [Phase] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Pilot aircraft..

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.

Monthly

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to 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.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Test: [what's being evaluated]
Conditions: [altitudes, weather]

Organize test points, data to record and safety limits for study. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Flight test card prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct in-flight tests and evaluations.

Step 2Fill in [Test] and [Conditions] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Test performance of aircraft equipment..

File instrument flight plans with air traffic control so that flights can be coordinated with other air traffic.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to file instrument flight plans with air traffic control so that flights can be coordinated with other air traffic.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Situation: [reversing bus, ship schedules, yard moves]
Signals or channels: [radio, hand signals]

List clear calls or signals and what to do if communication fails. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Movement coordination

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you file instrument flight plans.

Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Signals or channels] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement..

Fly with other pilots or pilot-license applicants to evaluate their proficiency.

A few times a year

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to fly with other pilots or pilot-license applicants to evaluate their proficiency.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
What I evaluate: [pilots, trainees, applicants]
Standards: [paste the proficiency standards]

Make an evaluation checklist with observable behaviours and a debrief outline. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

10-minute exercise: Proficiency evaluation prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you fly with other pilots or pilot-license applicants to evaluate. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [What I evaluate] and [Standards] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Debrief with the outline and decide the result yourself. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Evaluate performance of applicants, trainees, or employees..

Rescue and evacuate injured persons.

Yearly or less

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to rescue and evacuate injured persons.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Situation: [injured people or animals, evacuation]
Resources: [describe]

Run a calm-communication scenario with me. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Helping in an emergency

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you rescue and evacuate injured persons.

Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Resources] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Follow your training and call for help early. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Assist others during emergencies..

Get the full prompt pack for Commercial Pilots

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Active Listeningimportance 3.9/5
Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Operations Monitoringimportance 4.4/5
Used in: Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Critical Thinkingimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoringimportance 4.1/5
Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 3.9/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.8/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Complex Problem Solvingimportance 3.6/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Active Learningimportance 3.6/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers78% human-led · Needs more preparation · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Time Management, Instructing, Mathematics

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Operate large scale uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones for various commercial purposes, such as aerial photography, surveying land and structures, or monitoring wildlife.

New in O*NET

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a commercial pilot. Part of my job is to operate large scale uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones for various commercial purposes, such as aerial photography, surveying land and structures, or monitoring wildlife.

Context: The work draws on transportation, geography and physics.
Load: [weight, dimensions]
Equipment: [crane, hoist, rigging]

List pre-lift checks, signals, path and landing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Crane or hoist lift plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you operate large scale uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones.

Step 2Fill in [Load] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check the load chart for your radius and configuration.

New O*NET task (05/2025). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so its label comes from similar tasks, such as “Design or implement web-based tools for querying large-scale biological databases.” (Bioinformatics Technicians), and was checked by hand. O*NET work activity: Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.. Also involves: Develop computer or online applications.; Develop technical methods or processes..

Getting into this job

Post-secondary certificate is most common (36% of workers)

High school or less 44%
Certificate or some college 53%
Associate's 1%
Bachelor's 2%

On-the-job training: 1–3 months
Related experience: 2–4 years
Professional certification: important (4.8/5)

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values). Some of these estimates are lower precision.

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe Creative Cloud softwareMicrosoft Office software