Job Description
This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications that may be required of employees assigned to this job classification.
Pilots report for duty one hour before their first assigned flight for the day. They access a computer terminal for sign-in and acquisition of flight plans, weather information and other associated documents. They make a comprehensive analysis, and in concert with a flight dispatcher verify the reliability of the intended routing and fuel loading taking into account the weather and other conditions. They must attend and successfully complete initial, recurrent and upgrade training classes.
Subsequently carrying a kitbag (about forty pounds) and a suitcase, they proceed to the airplane and conduct a detailed examination of the exterior and interior, operating and testing the various airplane components. They review any discrepancies and determine whether or not the airplane is acceptable for flight operation. Prior to departure they will complete pre-flight checklists (manually & visually), contact the FAA by radio to acquire clearances and brief the other crewmembers. Pilots may be called upon to work in an unpressurized environment with little or no internal climate control.
When the airplane is loaded and ready for departure, they will start the engines, supervise the pushback activities and then taxi the airplane to the runway. During taxi, communication with appropriate FAA facilities will be maintained; additional system test and checklists will be completed.
The pilots will then perform take-off and fly the airplane to its destination. During the flight the pilot will fly the airplane, perform checklists, visually monitor the airplane systems, communicate with FAA facilities, navigate and watch for air traffic. Simultaneously, the pilot must monitor enroute weather, and alter the routing as necessary while continually analyzing fuel consumption. In the event that any abnormal or emergency situation arises, the pilot must take whatever immediate action is required and then determine if the need for an immediate landing is necessary.
Upon arrival in the destination area, the pilot must plan and execute an approach and landing, often at night and in inclement weather. If the conditions are unacceptable, the pilot must use instrument flight rules to land or divert to an alternate airport and plan fuel usage accordingly.
After landing, the pilot will taxi the airplane to the gate, shut down the engines and prepare for the next flight segment.
Pilots will be called upon to work at all hours of the day or night, including holidays and weekends. Pilot will frequently be on duty as much as twelve to fourteen hours and will span many time zones and extreme weather differences the course of a trip. They will frequently be away from home for multiple days and nights, staying in out-of-town hotels.
The cockpit is a highly stressful work environment, which requires good communication skills, an adaptable personality, quick and accurate decision-making and close attention to detail.
Job Requirements
Age: At least 21
Height: Height to fully operate and actuate all controls and other equipment at each crewmember position of all aircraft operated by American Eagle.
Visual Activity: Corrected to 20/20. Weight: In proportion to height.
Education: College degree or equivalent if preferred.
Citizenship: Must be United States citizens or possess the legal right to work in the U.S., including the right to travel to/from the cities and countries American Eagle serves. Must be read, write, fluently speak and understand the English language. Valid passport required.