Airline Copilot
Job Summary
Responsible for assisting the captain by monitoring the flight instruments, handling radio communications, watching for air traffic, and taking over for the pilot as needed.
Primary Responsibilities
- Assist the pilot with taking off and landing the plane.
- Assume command of the aircraft if captain is incapacitated.
- Fly for airlines that transport people and cargo on a fixed schedule.
- Fly aircraft for other reasons, such as charter flights, rescue operations, firefighting, aerial photography, and crop dusting.
- Perform pre-flight checklist on engines, hydraulics, and other systems.
- Take information from air traffic controllers.
- Ensure that all cargo has been loaded and that the aircraft weight is properly balanced.
- Communicate with flight attendants and perform crosschecks.
- Receive takeoff and landing instructions.
- Handle flight emergencies.
- Operate controls and steer aircraft if pilot is incapacitated.
- Greet people leaving or coming aboard plane.
- Check fuel and weather conditions.
- Maintain flight schedules and alert ground and crew to possible delays.
- Take turns flying the plane to avoid fatigue.
- Create a flight plan which details the altitude for the flight, route to be taken and amount of fuel required
- Regularly check aircraft's performance and position.
- React to environmental changes and altitudes.
- Update aircraft logbook.
- Note any incidents that occurred during the flight.
- Ensure noise regulations are followed during take off and landing.