You are right in your assumptions, as long as we talk about conditional sentences and the subjunctive mood of "be". You only need to consider that the verb after "if" might not be in the subjunctive mood. Think about sentences like these:
If he was nice to you, it was because he wanted something. (He is usually rude and now you tell me he was nice? Then he definitely wanted something.)
If I was rude, I apologize. (I might have been rude, I don't know. If that was the case, I apologize, I didn't mean to)
Now compare the second one to one where the subjunctive is used:
If I had been rude, I would have apologized. (I was not rude and I did not apologize.)
As was already mentioned in a comment, "If I was an airline pilot" would be unusual to say. I guess you could say something like: I am an actor now. If I was an airline pilot 10 years ago, that was only because my parents insisted. All I ever wanted was to perform on stage.
Best Answer
To use the progressive here, you would have to be providing a descriptive backdrop for something dramatic to happen. For example,
Just to report how long it's been since you've spoken with your friend, do not use a progressive tense.
(This is something my German spouse struggles mightily with. You are not alone.)