Michael Olsen. Period five

An airline pilot's job description is to safely fly an airliner, but a pilot does much more than just fly. A typical day may start with the pilot using computer skills to check weather and flight plans.

 Most professional pilot jobs also prefer college, and many require it. Jobs requiring only a high school diploma include flight instructor, ferry pilot and agricultural pilot. Jobs preferring college include test and charter pilots.

 A degree is not always required, but a bachelor's degree may improve job prospects

 Airline pilots fly passengers and/or cargo on long or short-haul flights for leisure, business or commercial purposes

 While pilots do not take their work home with them, they are required to be prepared for tests.. Most pilots take a check ride twice a year.