Flight Engineer

Job overview
Flight engineers are the technical advisors of a large aircraft.

They assist the captain and co-pilot by monitoring and operating many of the systems and making minor in-flight repairs where possible.

They advise the pilots in command and help them to make decisions

What do people do in this job?
Before the departure of an aircraft, flight engineers, along with the captain and the co-pilot, study the route and destination, the weather conditions and the flight plan for the specific aircraft and route to be flown.

A decision on fuel to be carried is taken based on the available data, such as the route winds, the all up weight of the aircraft and destination weather.

The flight plan is computer generated, and given all the data, confirms the selected flight levels and fuel required.

Before the engines are started up, flight engineers check that they, plus the controls, instruments and other systems, are working properly and that any maintenance work required has been completed.

They also ensure that the fuel content corresponds to the amount reflected on the flight plan.

An exterior check is also carried out.

During take off, flight engineers ensure that the correct thrust setting is selected on the engines and monitor the engines very closely for any abnormality.

During flight, they monitor all the aircraft systems especially the engines, plus electrics, fuel, air-conditioning, pressurisation and hydraulics.

Air-conditioning is monitored for the comfort of the crew and passengers.

Should a defect develop during the flight, flight engineers normally rectify it by means of a check list or fault-reporting manual.

There are various manuals aboard the aircraft and the seriousness of the defect would dictate which manual or check list is used.

Flight engineers monitor the amount of fuel used and compare this with the flight plan that was obtained on departure.

Many engine and other related readings are logged, which are used to predict any serious malfunction by computer systems on the ground.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Prospective flight engineer officers should be medically fit and mentally healthy.

They should be responsible and able to work well with the other flight deck crew.

Concentration and perseverance are important, as well as a clear and calm mind in order to deal with emergencies effectively.

What qualifications are needed?
Good school-leaving results in mathematics and science subjects, plus, preferably, tertiary, or even degree studies in the same areas.