I can Be The Best Flight Engineer For Your Flight

What Are My Duties as a Flight Engineer?

You have distinct duties before, during and after each flight. Pre-flight, you inspect the mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and fuel systems of planes according to a checklist. You also monitor the loading of cargo, fuel and passengers to make sure they are balanced and within weight limits. You will check the flight plan and consult weather forecasts. During flight, you monitor the plane’s major systems and rate of fuel consumption, adjust engine controls as per the pilot’s orders and inform the pilot and co-pilot about any problems you detect. After landing, you perform a post-flight inspection of the plane’s systems.

Where Could I Work?

Major passenger airlines employ most flight engineers. You could also work for air cargo services, government agencies, the U.S. Air Force, regional carriers and large corporations with their own jets. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) reports that a combined total of approximately 83,550 civilian pilots and flight engineers were employed in May 2020. However, the BLS also points out that improvements in technology have allowed pilots and co-pilots to perform more duties, while other duties have become automated. This has eliminated the need for an on-board flight engineer in many aircraft.

What Training Programs Are Available?

Typically, schools don’t offer programs specifically for flight engineers, but you can get the training you need by completing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved programs in flight and ground instruction. In place of formal training, work experience repairing planes, working as a pilot or serving as a flight engineer in the armed forces might hep you earn flight engineering licensure from the FAA.

Air and ground training programs are widely available at private aviation schools, community colleges and 4-year institutions. A flight training program covers such topics as basic air maneuvers, instrument flying, altitude control, navigation, weather data interpretation and night flying. Ground school covers federal aviation regulations, meteorology, airport operations, flight dynamics and navigation. Courses in aircraft engines, aircraft electrical systems and airframes are also helpful for flight engineers. After completing training, you’re eligible to take the FAA’s written exams for reciprocating engine, turboprop and turbojet planes.