Step 1: Pilot Positions (Captain, First Officer, Flight Engineer)
There
are two-three types of pilot positions with any pilot
job:
•
Captain
(Pilot)
The Captain is in command of the plane and is responsible
for the safety of the aircraft, its passengers, crew
and cargo. Other responsibilities includes, not limited
to interacting with the airline’s flight dispatcher
and mechanic, checking fuel supply, monitoring weather
at the departure, destination, and alternate airports
and enroute, supervising the crewmembers, and making
all the final decisions with assistance from the flight
crewmember(s).
•
First
Officer (Co-pilot aka F.O.)
The first officer assists the captain by monitoring
the flight instruments, handling radio communications,
watching for air traffic, and taking over the flight
controls when directed by the captain. The co-pilot
will eventually upgrade to captain according to his/her
seniority. For the major/national airlines, it typically
takes several years (5 years or more) to upgrade to
Captain and the top salary level.
•
Flight
Engineer (Second Officer aka F.E.)
Flight Engineer positions exist only on some of the
older, large jet planes. Newer airplanes have only a
two-person flight crew, consisting of the Captain and
First Officer. The FE assists the captain, inspects
the aircraft for pre- and post-flight, oversees fueling
operations, and monitors the performance of the engines,
pressurization, hydraulics, electrical, air conditioning,
and other systems. The flight engineer also troubleshoots
any abnormal or emergency problems occurring with the
aircraft systems, check and maintain aircraft log books,
and other duties. The FE will eventually upgrade to
a First Officer position and then Captain, according
to his/her seniority. However, there are some professional
flight engineers that remain in their position for their
entire careers. For the major/national airlines, Flight
Engineers may advance to a First Officer position within
a few years, but it may take several years to become
a Captain, which is dependent on the size of the airline
and his/her seniority.
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