Description
Serve as Second-in-Command on fixed-wing air carrier flights, assisting the Captain in safely operating and navigating transport-category aircraft for passenger and cargo service. Perform duties as Pilot Flying or Pilot Monitoring in accordance with company SOPs, regulations, and ATC clearances. Requires appropriate Airline Transport Pilot (or restricted ATP) certificate and aircraft type rating; roles span regional, national, and international operations.
- • Use flight instruments and procedures to operate safely in low visibility and IMC.
- • Execute normal, abnormal, and emergency checklists; communicate status to the Captain and ATC.
- • Work as an integrated flight deck team, especially during takeoff and landing.
- • Obtain and read back ATC clearances, instructions, and advisories via radio.
- • Operate the aircraft as Pilot Flying or Pilot Monitoring; manage FMS and autopilot to follow the flight plan.
- • Monitor engine and system indications; set and verify thrust and configuration changes.
- • Assist with engine start, pushback, taxi, and flight control checks per SOPs.
- • Conduct thorough preflight and postflight inspections of the aircraft and equipment.
- • Verify weight and balance, performance data, and fuel loads meet limits.
- • Monitor fuel burn and system performance; update estimates and advise the Captain.
- • Review weather, NOTAMs, and en route conditions with dispatch and the Captain.
- • Coordinate with ramp and ground crews for loading, fueling, deicing, and servicing.
- • Recommend and coordinate changes to fuel, loads, routes, or schedules with the Captain and dispatch for safety.
- • Analyze and propose optimal altitudes, routes, and speeds consistent with ATC and performance.
- • Support the Captain in directing flight deck and cabin activities and enforcing sterile cockpit.
- • Conduct and participate in departure, arrival, and approach briefings; coordinate with cabin crew.
- • Complete required flight logs, electronic records, and operational reports.
- • Make public address announcements to inform passengers of flight status and safety messages.
- • Prepare and file IFR flight plans and revisions as required by company policy and ATC.
- • Document aircraft discrepancies and coordinate MEL/CDL deferrals with maintenance and dispatch.
- • Perform operational checks of avionics, navigation, and safety systems per checklists.
- • Maintain qualifications through recurrent training, simulators, line checks, and currency requirements.
- • Apply crew resource management, threat and error management, and SOPs on every flight.
- • Plan alternates and diversion strategies; manage reroutes and holding as conditions change.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026