TransportationO*NET: 53-2011.00
Will AI Replace Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
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.
45out of 100
Medium Risk
AI Risk Score
45/100
Risk Level
Medium
Job Zone
4/5
Advanced
Total Tasks Analyzed
18
🤖 What AI Can Do
- â–¸Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
- â–¸Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
- â–¸Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- â–¸Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- â–¸Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
- â–¸Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
👤 What Requires Humans
- â–¸Providing empathy and emotional support
- â–¸Creative problem-solving in ambiguous contexts
- â–¸Physical tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (9)
- Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
- Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
- Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
- Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
- Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
- Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
- Record in log books information, such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.
âš¡AI-Assisted (9)
- Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- 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.
- Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities.
- Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.
- Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights.
- Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.
Key Skills Analysis
Operation and Control
Importance: 4.88/5.00
Operations MonitoringAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 4.62/5.00
Active Listening
Importance: 4.12/5.00
Critical ThinkingAI-Resistant
Importance: 4.12/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 4.12/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
Importance: 4.00/5.00
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.88/5.00
Time ManagementAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.88/5.00
Speaking
Importance: 3.75/5.00
Active LearningAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.75/5.00
CoordinationAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.62/5.00
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.62/5.00
Social PerceptivenessAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.25/5.00
Systems AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.25/5.00
Systems Evaluation
Importance: 3.25/5.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers have a medium risk of AI replacement with a score of 45/100. While some tasks can be assisted by AI, the core responsibilities require human judgment and skills.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· Data from O*NET 30.2 & Frey/Osborne automation research