What things do pilots measure?

All airplanes have six basic instruments: airspeed indicator, attitude indicator, altimeter, turn coordinator, heading indicator, and vertical speed indicator. You need to enable JavaScript to run this app.



Pilots in 2026 measure a vast array of critical data points to ensure safe flight, primarily focusing on Altitude, Airspeed, and Heading. Altitude is measured using a barometric altimeter, which calculates height above sea level or ground level by sensing atmospheric pressure. Airspeed is measured in "knots" using a pitot-static system, which compares the pressure of moving air against still air. Heading is tracked via a Magnetic Compass and an Inertial Reference System (IRS) to maintain the correct course. Additionally, pilots constantly monitor Engine Performance (such as RPM, oil pressure, and fuel flow) and Vertical Speed (the rate of climb or descent). In the modern 2026 cockpit, they also measure Angle of Attack (AoA) to prevent stalls and OAT (Outside Air Temperature) to calculate true airspeed and check for potential icing conditions, all while maintaining a "situational awareness" of their position relative to the horizon and other aircraft.

People Also Ask

Pilots typically do the following:
  • Check the overall condition of the aircraft before and after every flight.
  • Ensure that the aircraft is balanced and below its weight limit.
  • Verify that the fuel supply is adequate and that weather conditions are acceptable.
  • Prepare and submit flight plans to air traffic control.


MORE DETAILS

Aviation Medical Examiners are trained to determine the pilot's mental health and fitness to fly. Before this medical exam, pilots are required to report any health professional visits during the previous three years, all medications being taken, and other medical history on their medical application form.

MORE DETAILS

A general rule of thumb for initial IFR descent planning in jets is the 3 to 1 formula. This means that it takes 3 NM to descend 1,000 feet. If an airplane is at FL 310 and the approach gate or initial approach fix is at 6,000 feet, the initial descent requirement equals 25,000 feet (31,000–6,000).

MORE DETAILS

According to figures from The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for airline pilots is $114,200, but starting pay for a regional airline First Officer could be as little as $28,000, while ending pay for a major airline Captain could be several hundred thousand per year.

MORE DETAILS

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a special certification called a restricted privileges ATP certificate which allows pilots who have less than 1,500 hours of flight time or who are below the minimum age of 23 to serve as co-pilots until they have amassed the required number of hours.

MORE DETAILS

Pilots use Zulu time in navigation all the time. If you are flying in a different time zone and want to tell air traffic control that you will be overhead a certain location at a certain point, you must be both using the same clock.

MORE DETAILS

Due to the risks to flight safety posed by ADHD, regulatory authorities worldwide consider ADHD a disqualifying condition for pilots. Unfortunately, pilots sometimes fail to disclose ADHD to their Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

MORE DETAILS

Similar to maintaining a work-life balance, flexible working has always been a major advantage of being a pilot. It's not your typical 9-5, Monday to Friday job. There are several benefits of flexible working as a pilot, such as: It keeps your routine varied and makes everyday a new adventure.

MORE DETAILS