First officer (aviation)

In aviation, a first officer (FO), also known as a co-pilot, is the second-in-command of an aircraft. The first officer sits in the right-hand seat of the cockpit. While the captain is ultimately responsible for the safety and operation of the flight, the first officer shares responsibilities and assists the captain in all phases of flight, from pre-flight planning to post-flight procedures.

Responsibilities and Duties:

The first officer's duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting the Captain: Collaborating with the captain on all aspects of flight operations, including navigation, communication, and decision-making.
• Monitoring Aircraft Systems: Observing and monitoring engine performance, fuel levels, and other critical systems to ensure proper operation.
• Performing Flight Procedures: Executing flight procedures as directed by the captain, such as setting flaps, adjusting power settings, and managing the aircraft's flight path.
• Communication: Communicating with air traffic control and other relevant parties.
• Cross-checking: Verifying the captain's actions and decisions to ensure accuracy and safety.
• Taking Control of the Aircraft: Assuming command of the aircraft if the captain becomes incapacitated.
• Logging Flight Hours: Maintaining accurate records of flight time and other relevant data.
• Pre-flight and Post-flight Inspections: Participating in the pre-flight inspection of the aircraft to ensure it is airworthy and conducting post-flight inspections.

Qualifications and Training:

Becoming a first officer typically requires:

• A commercial pilot license (CPL) with instrument rating.
• A multi-engine rating (for multi-engine aircraft).
• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate or Restricted ATP certificate (R-ATP). This depends on the regulations of the governing aviation authority and experience level.
• Successful completion of airline-specific training programs, including ground school, simulator training, and on-the-job training.
• Medical certification.

Progression:

The position of first officer is typically a stepping stone to becoming a captain. First officers accumulate flight hours and experience, eventually becoming eligible for promotion to captain based on seniority, performance, and successful completion of additional training and evaluations.

Regulatory Oversight:

The specific regulations and requirements for first officers vary depending on the aviation authority governing the airline and aircraft operation (e.g., Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe).