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Co pilot vs aircraft pilot

The differences between co pilots and aircraft pilots can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a co pilot and an aircraft pilot. Additionally, an aircraft pilot has an average salary of $94,207, which is higher than the $93,703 average annual salary of a co pilot.

The top three skills for a co pilot include FAA, PIC and flight operations. The most important skills for an aircraft pilot are FAA, airspace, and mission planning.

Co pilot vs aircraft pilot overview

Co PilotAircraft Pilot
Yearly salary$93,703$94,207
Hourly rate$45.05$45.29
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs7,8525,585
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

Co pilot vs aircraft pilot salary

Co pilots and aircraft pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.

Co PilotAircraft Pilot
Average salary$93,703$94,207
Salary rangeBetween $72,000 And $121,000Between $72,000 And $122,000
Highest paying City-La Quinta, CA
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-Michels
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between co pilot and aircraft pilot education

There are a few differences between a co pilot and an aircraft pilot in terms of educational background:

Co PilotAircraft Pilot
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common majorAviationAviation
Most common collegeSUNY FarmingdaleSUNY Farmingdale

Co pilot vs aircraft pilot demographics

Here are the differences between co pilots' and aircraft pilots' demographics:

Co PilotAircraft Pilot
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 83.8% Female, 16.2%Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Asian, 2.7% White, 82.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between co pilot and aircraft pilot duties and responsibilities

Co pilot example responsibilities.

  • Lead performance analysis, plan test sequences, document test details, and liaise with engineers and FAA representatives.
  • Operate company-owned aircraft in compliance with all FAA regulations and international procedures.
  • Assist with all aspects of administration, logistics and equipment inventory, ensuring successful financial execution.
  • Conduct pilot proficiency and standardization evaluations in both A320 aircraft and simulator.

Aircraft pilot example responsibilities.

  • Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
  • Conduct academic and flight training for USAF and international pilots in air-to-air combat tactics.
  • Plan, brief, execute and debrief air combat training missions.
  • Assist with all aspects of administration, logistics and equipment inventory, ensuring successful financial execution.
  • Coordinate with AATD and USMA to assist with visits to the UK.

Co pilot vs aircraft pilot skills

Common co pilot skills
  • FAA, 44%
  • PIC, 40%
  • Flight Operations, 8%
  • SIC, 3%
  • ISR, 2%
  • Corporate Aircraft, 1%
Common aircraft pilot skills
  • FAA, 38%
  • Airspace, 11%
  • Mission Planning, 8%
  • UAS, 8%
  • Army Aviation, 6%
  • Combat, 6%

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