This week’s career memes play cheeky tribute to high-flying professionals – pilots – and takes a look at what a pilot’s job entails, as well as what it takes to get into the cockpit.
A pilot’s job requires more than just shuttling cargo or passengers between destinations. He or she is also responsible for examining data about flight plans and flight paths, checking an aeroplane’s safety systems, logging any technical issues, estimating the amount of fuel required on a flight, and relaying information to passengers.
Pilots will have to earn a licence before flying an aircraft, and they can work as either private pilots, military pilots or commercial pilots.
An educational background in aviation, aeronautical engineering or a related field would be ideal for a pilot, who must also be able to operate aircraft computer and navigation systems.
A pilot should also have excellent depth perception, a quick reaction time, strong attention to detail, an even temperament, and strong communication and problem-solving skills.
In Ireland, an airline pilot, co-pilot or flight engineer can expect to earn an annual salary of €47,801 – €145,656, according to PayScale.com.
