There are numerous psychological studies of pilots and piloting, but little has been done in the way of sociological examination. Commercial aviation is one of the world's biggest industries, yet there are few studies of pilots as social beings and of their place of work, the flight-deck. Developing a sociological understanding of front-line staff and of pilots' working environments is an important step to developing a more detailed understanding of this increasingly important sector. This book performs such a function and also adds to our understanding of pilots in general, from those who work for flag carriers to those who fly for regional or corporate jet operators. The readership includes the general public, industry legislators, regulators, managements, employees, trainers, journalists, academics and students of sociology, psychology, organisation theory and business management.