Flight engineers, sometimes called second officers, play almost as important a part in flying large aircraft as do the pilot and copilot. Although flight engineers rarely take the controls to actually fly the plane, they have many other duties and responsibilities both on the ground and on board an aircraft. They must make preflight checks of the plane, the weather, and the course of the flight. They also monitor the plane's controls and electrical and mechanical devices throughout the flight. After the plane has landed, they are responsible for checking the plane and reporting any problems.
Before a flight, the flight engineer inspects the outside of the plane to make sure that there are no fluid leaks and that tires are inflated properly. If any problems are found, the engineer calls in mechanics to repair the problems.
After inspecting the outside of the plane, the flight engineer checks the inside. The engineer, pilot, and copilot check more than 100 instrument gauges in the plane to make sure they are operating properly and show normal readings. There are fuel gauges, oil pressure indicators, and switches to control wing flaps and landing gear. The flight engineer must also review the flight course and weather patterns to determine how much fuel should be loaded on the plane. If a plane is going to fly with a tailwind, it will need much less fuel than if it is going to be flying into a strong head wind. The flight engineer must also take into consideration other factors, such as fog or ice, to determine how much fuel will be needed for a flight.
As the passengers board and the cargo is loaded, the flight engineer continues to monitor all instruments. Once the airplane is airborne, the engineer advises the pilot, or captain, of any problems. The engineer monitors the instruments and may make minor repairs, such as replacing fuses. The flight engineer also records fuel consumption during the flight and makes note of the performance of the engines.
After the plane has landed, the flight engineer inspects the plane again to make sure all equipment is functioning properly. If any problems arose during the flight, the flight engineer reports them to the mechanics and makes sure the mechanics check these problems. Finally, the flight engineer turns in the flight log of the trip.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) now requires that most three- and four-engine airplanes and two-engine jet airplanes have a flight engineer. Thus almost all flight engineers work for the major airlines that fly many large planes. The flight engineer's home base is generally a large city that has a major airport. Many flight engineers are stationed in New York, California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas because these states have very large national and international airports.
Education and Training
You must have a high school diploma to become a flight engineer. Most airlines prefer to hire people with at least 2 years of college training.
In addition, you must have a commercial pilot's license to apply for a position as a flight engineer with most of the major airlines. You must also have a flight engineer's certificate from the FAA. To qualify for this certificate, you must complete a 2-year course in aircraft and engine maintenance or have 3 or more years of experience in this area.
You can also qualify with at least 100 hours of flight experience as a flight engineer or 200 hours of flight time as a pilot in command of an aircraft with four or more engines. Another way to qualify is to complete a course in ground and flight instruction approved by the FAA. In addition, you must pass a written examination covering flight theory, engine and aircraft performance, fuel requirements, the effect of weather on engine operation, and maintenance procedures. You must also pass a difficult in-flight test before you can become a flight engineer. This exam tests your ability to perform both normal and emergency duties and procedures.
You must he between the ages of 21 and 35 and be between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet 4 inches tall to become a flight engineer. You must be able to pass a physical exam before you are hired and again every year thereafter. Flight engineers must have good eyesight and normal color perception.
Getting the Job
You can apply directly to the personnel departments of the major airlines either by letter or in person. The Air Transport Association of America provides a list of the main offices of the airlines on request.
Employment Outlook
Advancement generally depends on the flight engineer's qualifications and seniority. A flight engineer can advance to a copilot by obtaining a pilot's license and flying the required number of hours. From copilot, a person can become a pilot, although it may take 5 to 10 years to advance to this position. The most experienced pilots fly the routes and schedules of their choice. After becoming a pilot some individuals advance to the position of chief pilot or flight operations manager if they would rather hold a position on the ground.
The employment outlook for flight engineers is generally good. The number of flight engineers is expected to increase about as fast as the average through the year 2006. In addition, replacements will be needed for engineers who change jobs or retire. However, growth in this occupation will be limited because of the increasing use of computerized flight management systems.
Working Conditions
Flight engineers generally find their work very exciting and rewarding. The work involves a certain amount of danger, but airplane travel becomes safer salaries ranging from about $16,000 to $19,000 a year. Experienced FAA radio operators may earn about $25,000 to about $30,000 a year.
Most airline radio operators and flight information coordinators receive reduced airfares for themselves and their immediate families or, in some cases, free travel on their company's flights. The amount of the reduction often depends on the length of the employee's service. Paid vacations generally range from 2 to 4 weeks each year. Other benefits include paid sick leave, retirement pensions, and life insurance.
FAA flight service station specialists receive 13 to 26 days of paid vacation and 13 days of sick leave each year. They also receive life insurance and retirement and health benefits.
