Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Airline pilots navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. They require a Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for the specific aircraft types used. This includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
Pilots, co-pilots, and flight engineers are all accountable for the safe and successful operation of an aircraft. These three roles are essential positions of any aircraft's flight crew. However, there are differences in their training, rank, and daily responsibilities. Airline pilots fly planes, co-pilots assist the pilot in-flight, and flight engineers monitor the aircraft's systems at all times.
How to become an airline pilot? To become one go through most training and experience and must hold the same flight certification as pilots’ but have less in-flight experience. Finally, it is the flight engineer who monitors the plane's technical functions and during emergencies, they respond to the pilot's concerns in-flight and provide technical advice and support. Flight engineering is a great way to gain experience and kick-start your career as a pilot.
To have a successful career copilot, you must enjoy the responsibility and thrill of aeroplanes. Being a co-pilot can lead to a career as an air traffic controller and flight engineers can pursue a career in aerospace engineering where they can explore the mechanical aspects of aircraft function and design. A flight engineer's salary is very lucrative all over the world.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Training Course Student Pilot Licence
- Training Course Private Pilot Licence
- Training Course Commercial Pilot Licence
Tasks
- Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
- Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
- Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
- Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
- Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
- Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
Progression Routes
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