A pilot is a professional who operates aircraft. Pilots can work in various sectors – commercial, industrial, private, as well as military – where they fly planes for a variety of purposes. For example, the military trains combat pilots to operate their war machines and perform military operations, while commercial airlines hire pilots to fly their passenger and cargo airplanes between destinations. A pilot may also have additional tasks related to the operation of the plane, such as fueling it and loading the cargo when a smaller plane is involved.
Becoming a pilot usually involves rigorous training, the specific details of which can differ a lot between different types of pilots. Military pilots are usually trained to endure high gravitational forces in order to be able to maneuver their airplanes more efficiently – while commercial airline pilots on the other hand are trained to fly the plane in a smooth, safe manner and provide passengers with basic assistance when needed. A license is required in all cases, and renewing it may or may not be required as well.
Being a pilot is very lucrative financially, especially those who work in the military. Commercial airline pilots can typically earn between $40,000 – $83,000 a year, while those working for the military can earn even more than that, with salaries going higher than $100,000 in some cases. Additionally, the job offers plenty of good health bonuses and other benefits, all around making it a good choice for many people.