A Career as a Flight Engineer

Except on small aircraft, two pilots usually make up the cockpit crew. Generally, the most experienced pilot, the captain, is in command and supervises all other crew members. The pilot and the copilot, often called the first officer, share flying and other duties.

Some large aircraft have a third crewmember, the flight engineer, also called second officers, who assists the pilots by monitoring and operating many of the instruments and systems, making minor in-flight repairs, and watching for other aircraft.

Prior to the flight the flight engineer carries out a preflight walk round the aircraft to inspect for leaks, any obvious structural damage that could have occurred during aircraft loading and the condition of the landing gear and tires. They calculate fuel uplift requirements based on weather patterns and head or tail wind predictions.

During the flight the flight engineer keeps fuel consumption records and monitors aircraft engine performance. The flight engineer also assists the pilots with the company, air traffic control, and cabin crew communications.

New technology can now perform many of the flight engineers tasks and virtually all-new aircraft now fly with only two pilots, who rely more heavily on computerized controls.