Airline PilotĬomparing an airline transport pilot vs commercial pilot, there are a multitude of differences. Now let’s look at the airline pilot role. This involves low and slow flying to showcase the banner you’re towing, whether it be for advertisement or other purposes. Planting seeds, crop dusting and hauling feed are some of the duties they’ll focus on.Īs a banner tow pilot, you’ll perform short flights towing banners. In this role, many pilots are on-call for their shift.Īgricultural pilots execute jobs related to the farming industry. These pilots usually fly short distances in smaller aircraft.Īir ambulance pilots utilize aircraft to transport organs or patients between locations for procedures. This position can be challenging and rewarding for those interested in flying skydivers.Ī charter pilot flies for a charter airline, flying fare-paying individuals.

In this role, you’ll be imparting your knowledge onto student pilots during their flight training journey. Job DutiesĮach of these commercial pilot jobs is unique in their own way.Ī flight instructor is responsible for teaching students to fly. Let’s look at the duties associated with these different roles. Air ambulance pilots may require around 500 hours of experience.Charter pilots need at least 500 hours depending on the aircraft.Flight instructors need 10 – 25 hours for their flight instructor certificate.In general, to earn their commercial license, pilots need to complete 250 hours of flight time for part 61 and 190 for part 141 training but may need additional hours for certain jobs. Some of these positions have different hour requirements for the position. Types of pilot jobs for commercial license include flight instructing, being a jump pilot, charter pilot, air ambulance pilot, agricultural pilot and banner towing pilot.

Commercial PilotĪs a commercial pilot, you fly for compensation, but not for a scheduled airliner. Looking at a commercial pilot vs airline pilot, there are different job opportunities for each type of pilot, minimum hours and responsibilities associated with each job. What are the differences between these two? All airline pilots are commercial pilots, but not all commercial pilots are airline pilots. Commercial and airline pilots are both professional aviators but are in contrasting positions.

Some fly recreationally while others fly for compensation.

Different types of licenses in aviation