NOC 72600Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

NOC 72600 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors. It is classified TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 72 › 726 › 7260

Definition

Air pilots fly fixed wing aircraft and helicopters to provide air transportation and other services such as crop spraying and aerial surveying. Flight engineers assist air pilots with monitoring, troubleshooting and maintenance of aircraft systems and with pre- and post-flight inspections. Flying instructors teach flying techniques and procedures to student and licensed pilots. Air pilots, flight engineers and flight instructors are employed by airline and air freight companies, flying schools and by other public and private sector aircraft operators.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Air pilots
Conduct pre-flight inspection of aircraft and check passenger and cargo distribution to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met
Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air-traffic control, inform crew members of flight and test procedures and direct activities of aircraft crew during flights
Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions and other information
Conduct in-flight tests and monitor functioning of aircraft equipment and systems during flights, maintain communications with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters and respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions
Prepare flight evaluation reports
Train pilots to use new equipment, or prepare them for examinations to revalidate or upgrade existing licences
May fly new or experimental planes to examine their flight performance and safety
May participate in search and rescue operations, forest firefighting, aerial surveying, crop dusting and other services.
Flight engineers
Inspect aircraft prior to takeoff according to pre-flight checklist and verify passenger and cargo distribution to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met
Assist air pilots in monitoring aircraft systems, equipment and functions during flight
Make in-flight repairs, such as replacing fuses and adjusting instruments, and follow emergency procedures to compensate for equipment malfunction or failure
Perform post-flight inspections, record equipment malfunctions and corrective actions taken during flight and report required repairs to ground maintenance personnel.
Flying instructors
Instruct student pilots in procedures and techniques of flying aircraft and in ground-school subjects such as navigation, radio procedures and flying regulations
Train licensed pilots for additional certification.

Example job titles

•air pilot
•captain - air transport
•check pilot
•chief flying instructor
•chief pilot
•co-pilot
•flight engineer
•flying instructor

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Overview

National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 code 72600 encompasses air pilots, flight engineers, and flying instructors. Classified under TEER 2, these professionals are employed by passenger and cargo airlines, air transport companies, flying schools, and other public and private sector organizations. Key responsibilities in this occupation include safely operating aircraft to transport passengers and freight, conducting thorough pre-flight inspections, monitoring flight systems, and providing professional flight training to student pilots.

To work in Canada under NOC 72600, candidates must meet specific employment requirements, including graduation from a certified flying or aviation school and a high school diploma. Depending on the specific role, a commercial pilot's licence, an airline transport pilot's licence, or a flying instructor rating is mandatory, alongside applicable medical certificates and instrument ratings. Under Canada's immigration system, skilled aviation professionals in this category are eligible to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, as well as targeted Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 72600 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors is TEER 2, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.

What education or training does NOC 72600 usually require?

Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors is classified as TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

Is this occupation regulated in Québec?

Yes — Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors is regulated in Québec, so practising there requires recognition from the relevant professional body, and Québec immigration programs take this into account.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.