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Why do some flights have a flight engineer?
Answer: Flight engineers are responsible for operating the systems in older airplanes. Flight engineers were essential for the safe operation of airplanes in the past. Modern jets do not require the constant attention to systems, allowing the pilots to manage them.
What does the engineer do on a plane?
Flight engineers are a part of the flight crew. They check systems before flight, help develop flight plans, and continue to perform checks while the aircraft is in flight. Their focus is to ensure that there are no mechanical concerns, and they monitor the engines, mechanical systems and fuel levels during the flight.
Do planes still need flight engineers?
With advances in modern technology, this position — the flight engineer — has been all but eliminated in the modern day airliner design. Flight engineers were responsible for operating and monitoring the hydraulic, pressurization, fuel, electrical and air conditioning systems.
Can flight engineers fly?
Many flight engineers have their pilot’s license and could potentially fly the aircraft if absolutely necessary. Following the flight, they do a thorough inspection of the plane and ensure that all components are functioning properly. They must also submit a completed flight log of the trip.
Do 747s still have flight engineers?
“It’s more work” than today’s largely automated airplanes,” Jakyl says of the -200 variant of the 747, “but it’s a lot of fun.” So much more work, in fact, that the airplane still utilizes a third member of the flight crew — known as a “flight engineer.”
Is a flight engineer an officer?
The position of flight engineer, or second officer, exists only on some of the large jet planes. Smaller airliners-as well as the newest large aircraft-have only a two-person flight crew, consisting of the first officer and captain.
Is Flight engineer a pilot?
Are Flight Engineers Pilots? A flight engineer does not pilot the aircraft. Instead, you assist the pilot by monitoring the aircraft’s instruments and performing maintenance during the flight. You are also responsible for performing a basic inspection of the engine and other mechanical systems before each flight.
What degree do you need to be a flight engineer?
Flight engineers must have a high school diploma or equivalent and earn a bachelor’s degree in aviation or a related field. Coursework should include the following areas: Fixed-wing navigation. Aeronautical or mechanical engineering.
What is needed to be a flight engineer?
To become a flight engineer, you need a flight engineer (FE) license from the Federal Aviation Administration and a commercial pilot’s license. Additional qualifications include at least 1,500 hours of flying experience, strong leadership skills, and at least a bachelor’s degree in aviation.
What does a flight engineer do on an airplane?
As a valued crew member on an airplane, a flight engineer is responsible for ensuring that all components of an airplane are in proper working order. They will monitor an airplane’s instrumentation systems during a flight and assist the pilot with navigation and with determining any adjustments that need to be made during the flight.
Are flight engineers still used in the military?
Regardless, flight engineers are still widely used by the military and by companies with larger aircraft. This is because military aircraft use the most recent technology, operate under different systems than commercial airlines, and are at higher risk of attack or mechanical problems.
Is it hard to become a flight engineer?
While demand for flight engineers is indeed declining and getting into this career is difficult, to say the least, it’s great for people who enjoy practical and hands-on work and who want to make a decent salary.
How many pilots do you need to fly long-haul flights?
Consequently, long-haul flights require multiple pilots as well as crew. And with the rise of ultra-long-haul flights, that becomes even more essential. Maximum flight times for pilots depend on the scheduled time of their first flight.