Will AI replace Commercial Pilots?

AI can do 29% of the work Commercial Pilots do at least twice as fast. Real use has not caught up: none of their tasks show up in real AI use yet, but AI could speed up 10 of them. Robots can technically handle 5 physical tasks. 9 still need a person.

AI is already doing this0 · 0% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Real AI use has not reached any of this job's tasks yet.

AI could do this next10 · 29% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.6% of time
  • Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.5% of time
  • Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control, and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.4% of time
  • Write specified information in flight records, such as flight times, altitudes flown, and fuel consumption.4% of time
  • Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.2% of time
  • Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.2% of time
  • File instrument flight plans with air traffic control so that flights can be coordinated with other air traffic.2% of time
  • Request changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate.1% of time
  • Supervise other crew members.1% of time
  • Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.1% of time

Robots can technically do this5 · 28% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.Robots: structured workplaces20% of time
  • Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.Robots: structured workplaces4% of time
  • Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.Robots: structured workplaces2% of time
  • Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.Robots: structured workplaces1% of time
  • Rescue and evacuate injured persons.Robots: structured workplaces1% of time

Still needs a person9 · 43% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.12% of time
  • Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.7% of time
  • Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.7% of time
  • Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations.5% of time
  • Perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance.4% of time
  • Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.2% of time
  • Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.2% of time
  • Teach company regulations and procedures to other pilots.1% of time
  • Fly with other pilots or pilot-license applicants to evaluate their proficiency.1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

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What this means

AI can speed up parts of this job, mostly the paperwork and information work around it. The core still depends on hands, presence or relationships. Robots are the other change to watch: they can technically do 28% of the working time.

What to do next

  • Get ahead on the 10 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 5 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 9 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers37%Flight Attendants17%Air Traffic Controllers64%Airfield Operations Specialists65%Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation30%First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants31%

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