Pilot (airplane) vs Co-pilot (aircraft)

Comparison at a glance

What does a Pilot (airplane) do?

As a pilot, you take full command of the aircraft, whether it is a passenger plane or a cargo plane. Your main responsibility is the safe and efficient execution of flights, which includes planning the route, managing the crew, and making critical decisions in unexpected situations. You need to have excellent technical knowledge of the aircraft systems and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Your work often involves irregular hours and travel to various locations worldwide, meaning flexibility and adaptability are important.

The pilot’s role demands decisiveness because you are the final authority during the flight. You coordinate with air traffic control, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and oversee the overall operation from takeoff to landing. You also have medium contact with passengers or clients, especially in commercial aviation, where customer service aspects can be part of your duties.

What does a Co-pilot (aircraft) do?

As a co-pilot, your role is to assist the pilot in operating the aircraft safely and efficiently. You handle communications with air traffic control, monitor flight instruments, and help manage the workload during all phases of the flight. You follow strict procedures and protocols, working closely with the pilot to maintain flight safety.

Your work environment is also international with irregular hours and frequent travel, similar to the pilot’s. However, your contact with clients or passengers is generally lower, as you focus more on technical and procedural tasks rather than customer interaction. You need strong technical knowledge and the ability to work well as part of a team, supporting the pilot’s decisions and actions.

The key differences

• The pilot holds the ultimate responsibility for the flight, while the co-pilot supports and assists without final decision-making authority.
• Pilots generally have medium contact with clients or passengers, whereas co-pilots have low client contact.
• The education paths differ slightly, with pilots typically following applied college level programs, while co-pilots may pursue university-level education.
• The pilot’s role involves more leadership and coordination of the entire flight crew compared to the co-pilot’s supporting role.
• The RIASEC codes show pilots lean towards Investigative work combined with Realistic tasks, while co-pilots combine Realistic and Conventional interests, reflecting their procedural focus.

Similarities

• Both careers require excellent technical knowledge of aircraft systems and flight operations.
• Stress resistance and the ability to work irregular hours in an international setting are essential for both pilots and co-pilots.
• Both roles involve medium physical work and high levels of analytical thinking to ensure safe and efficient flights.

Education and route

To become a pilot, you generally follow vocational education at the applied college level, such as a program in aviation technology or a pilot training course offered at this level. This path prepares you with practical skills and knowledge needed to operate aircraft and manage flights independently.

For co-pilots, there are two main educational routes. You can choose the applied college level aviation technology program, similar to pilots, or a university-level pilot training program. The university route may focus more on theoretical knowledge and conventional procedures, preparing you for the supportive and procedural aspects of the co-pilot role.

Salary

In the Netherlands, both pilots and co-pilots earn a similar gross monthly salary ranging from €3,200 to €5,200, with a typical mid-range salary around €4,000. This reflects the comparable technical demands and responsibilities, although pilots generally have higher leadership duties.

Which career suits you?

Choose to become a pilot if you prefer taking full responsibility for flights, enjoy leadership roles, and want to be the final decision-maker in the cockpit. This career suits you if you like working in dynamic environments, handling stress well, and having medium interaction with passengers or clients.

Choose to become a co-pilot if you prefer supporting roles, following strict procedures, and working closely with a team. This career fits you if you are detail-oriented, enjoy technical and procedural tasks, and are comfortable with less direct client interaction while still being involved in high-stakes environments.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main responsibilities of a pilot compared to a co-pilot?

The pilot is responsible for the overall command of the flight, including decision-making and leadership, while the co-pilot assists the pilot by handling communications, monitoring instruments, and supporting operational tasks.

Do pilots and co-pilots work similar hours?

Yes, both pilots and co-pilots often work irregular hours and travel frequently, as flights operate at various times and locations worldwide.

What education do I need to become a pilot or co-pilot in the Netherlands?

Pilots typically complete applied college level programs in aviation technology or pilot training, while co-pilots can follow similar applied college programs or university-level pilot training courses.

Is there a significant salary difference between pilots and co-pilots?

No, in the Netherlands both pilots and co-pilots earn similar salaries, generally ranging from €3,200 to €5,200 gross per month, with an average around €4,000.

See also

• Careers in transport and logistics