will be is a statement about future fact. are being is a statement about future fact which has already been initiated. are to be is a statement about a decision which has already been taken, concerning the future. But the meanings are so close and not at all clear-cut, that they are very often interchangeable.

What is the difference between are and be?

Explanation: Be is an infinitive form, while are is the form of the second person singular and all persons plural. In the example sentence the verb is preceeded by the subject pilots,so personal form ARE is required.

When to say are VS is?

When deciding whether to use is or are, look at whether the noun is plural or singular. If the noun is singular, use is. If it is plural or there is more than one noun, use are. The cat is eating all of his food.