Captain

You sit in the left seat now. You're the Pilot in Command — every decision, every landing, every 'we're going to experience some turbulence' announcement is yours. You've upgraded from First Officer after years of building hours, passing check rides, and flying routes nobody else wanted. The pay jump is significant, the responsibility is enormous, and your family still makes the autopilot joke. You sign for the aircraft, you're legally responsible for everyone on board, and when things go wrong, there's no one above you to defer to.

Learn the skills

Courses and certifications to get you job-ready

What you'll actually do

• 01Sign for the aircraft and accept full legal responsibility for everyone on board — no big deal
• 02Make the final call on weather delays, diversions, and whether the plane is safe to fly
• 03Brief the First Officer and review the flight plan, fuel load, and NOTAMs
• 04Communicate with ATC and manage the flight deck during critical phases
• 05Deliver PA announcements that somehow need to sound calm during a lightning storm
• 06Mentor First Officers who are counting the days until they sit in your seat