Level 6 - Professional Occupation
Mid Green  Mid Green occupation

Transport and logistics

First officer pilot

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Support aircraft captains and commanders during flights.

Summary

The first officer, also known as co-pilot, works in a variety of aircraft e.g. commercial, military, passenger or freight. The role of the first officer is to support the aircraft Commander and to assist them in the safe and efficient conduct of the flight. In the event of the incapacitation of the Commander, the First Officer will assume the authority and responsibility for the aircraft and its crew, passengers and load. During normal operations, the Commander and the First Officer will alternate in performing the roles of ‘pilot handling’ and ‘pilot monitoring’. In these situations, the ‘pilot monitoring’ will conduct radio communications and monitor the duties of the ‘pilot handling’. At all times they are to ensure the safety and security of the passengers and crew. Apprentices will need to achieve either a frozen Air Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) or a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence followed by Aircraft Type Conversion Training and supervised Line Training prior to taking an end-point assessment

First officers are responsible to their employers for ensuring the safety and efficiency of every flight by

  • Being fully aware of the planned route, contents of briefing sheets, the forecast meteorological conditions and runway states at the destination and alternate aerodromes
  • Supporting the Commander in the maintenance of high standards of crew discipline and conduct
  • Monitoring all aspects of the flight, checking that correct procedures and techniques are used, cross-checking all flight instrument indications, especially attitude, altitude / height, speed and heading and volunteering advice, information and assistance to the Commander, to contribute favourably to the safe and efficient conduct of the flight
  • Complying with UK ANO (Air Navigation Order) and the UK AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication)
  • Complying with UK Ops regulations
  • Complying with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards and recommended practices
  • Confirming the aircraft is following its planned navigation route and maintaining a safe terrain clearance
  • Complying with all flight time limitations, company occurrence reporting and rest requirements applicable to their activities
  • Reporting to the Commander any incident or defect that could endanger the safe operation of the aircraft
  • During any emergency or abnormal situation, carrying out the drills and procedures as laid down in the appropriate Company Manual

Typical job titles include

  • First officer pilot | Pilot

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

K1:

The UK CAA license and instrument rating requirements for the aircraft and role

K2:

The standards required for personal presentation and fitness for duty within their organisation (including uniform standard)

K3:

How to implement pre-flight planning and respond to en-route and terminal conditions

K4:

How to prepare a new flight plan or retrieve an existing flight plan

K5:

Know and understand the checks necessary to establish pre-flight airworthiness and air-readiness

K6:

How to liaise effectively with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and airport ground staff

K7:

The procedure for checking flight instruments and operating automatic flight control systems

K8:

The procedure for checking and operating aircraft propulsion units, systems and controls

K9:

The procedure for checking and operating navigation equipment, radio aids, surveillance equipment and radar appropriate to the flight

K10:

How to carry out start procedures and comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during site manoeuvring

K11:

The organisations service routines for the specific flight/route/sector

K12:

The airline SOPs and how to maintain control, smoothly and safely during all stages of flight

K13:

Automated systems affecting flight control and navigation

K14:

How weather conditions and their effect, impact on the implementation of the flight plan, including wind, clouds, precipitation, visibility, ice accretion, air masses and fronts

K15:

How to evaluate, respond to and manage abnormal situations

K16:

The organisations procedures for releasing the aircraft

K17:

The organisations procedures to be carried out after the last flight of the day

K18:

The procedures for recording and reporting malfunctions and faults

K19:

Aviation procedures and practices required for the completion of aircraft and safety documentation

K20:

The refuelling procedures for the aircraft type

K21:

Know the limitations and performance of the aircraft as laid down in the relevant Flight Manual and/or Operations Manual

K22:

The importance of legislation, procedures and regulations relating to an aviation environment in order to apply and deliver organisational compliance requirements within own area of responsibility

K23:

The UK ANO (Air Navigation Order) and the UK AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication)

K24:

The UK Ops regulations

K25:

Know and understand the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards and recommended practices

K26:

Know and understand the importance of Regulatory line checks and License Proficiency Checks

K27:

How to maintain the security of aircraft, crew and payload

K28:

Requirements for maintaining aviation security in own area of authority and action to take in the event of a breach of security

K29:

The health and safety legislation in aviation both in relation to own role and organisation, including how to monitor on-board aircrew

K30:

The requirements and importance of personal fitness and actions which must be taken if unfit for duty

K31:

The organisation’s safety management systems and safety culture

K32:

The purpose of the organisation including its vision, objectives and brand / organisational standards, how they compare to its competitors and how own role, and the team, help to achieve them

K33:

How to achieve customer satisfaction within their organisation and sphere of influence

Technical Educational Products

ST0523
ST0523: First officer pilot (Level 6) Approved for delivery
Reference:
OCC0523
Status:
Approved occupation imageApproved occupation
Average (median) salary:
£74,044 per year
SOC 2020 code:
3511 Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers
  • SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
    • 3511/01 Airline pilots
    • 3511/99 Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers n.e.c.
S1:

Ensure personal preparation and presentation standards are upheld in accordance with professional and organisational regulations and standards

S2:

Prepare and check/validate a flight plan

S3:

Establish the airworthiness and air readiness of the aircraft

S4:

Check and operate flight instruments and systems

S5:

Check and operate radar and radio aids

S6:

Check and operate aircraft propulsion systems

S7:

Check and operate navigation and communication equipment

S8:

Accurately report defective equipment

S9:

Collect information to aid decision making

S10:

Communicate clearly and professionally with ATC and airport ground staff

S11:

Handle the aircraft on the ground in accordance with relevant SOPs

S12:

Secure and seal the aircraft in accordance with company regulations and procedures

S13:

Close down aircraft engines, systems and equipment in accordance with regulations and procedures

S14:

Communicate effectively with colleagues, cabin crew, ground operational teams and customers at appropriate times to ensure service efficiency, safety and security

S15:

Implement agreed flight plan, making appropriate judgements to respond to en-route and terminal conditions

S16:

Maintain control, stability and safety during all stages of the flight, following airline SOPs

S17:

Manage and monitor automated systems

S18:

Monitor weather conditions during the flight and control the aircraft in response

S19:

Respond appropriately to all abnormal situations e.g. engine failure, disruptive passenger, forced landing, fire, decompression at altitude

S20:

Handle and control the aircraft in a smooth and safe manner when responding to abnormal situations

S21:

Release the aircraft in accordance with SOPs

S22:

Accurately record malfunctions, faults and maintenance requirements

S23:

Complete pre and post flight documentation

S24:

Supervise the refuelling of the aircraft

S25:

Consult with the Commander and inform crew members clearly what action is required in response to emergency situations

S26:

Ensure self and team monitor and apply the compliance, legislation, procedures and regulations commensurate to your role

S27:

Identify risks and non-compliance, ensuring corrective actions are taken or situations are escalated in accordance with organisation’s procedures

S28:

Monitor aviation security in own area of responsibility

S29:

Identify and address / report actual or potential hazards pre-flight, in-flight or post-flight as required

S30:

Record and report safety and security incidents, including self-reporting when required

S31:

Drive the team to maintain brand / organisational standards at all times, and identify and address any potential risks according to organisational procedures

Technical Educational Products

ST0523 image
ST0523: First officer pilot (Level 6) Approved for delivery
Reference:
OCC0523
Status:
Approved occupation imageApproved occupation
Average (median) salary:
£74,044 per year
SOC 2020 code:
3511 Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers
  • SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
    • 3511/01 Airline pilots
    • 3511/99 Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers n.e.c.
B1:

Be vigilant, alert and proactive in promoting a safe, reliable, secure and compliant working culture within the first officer role

B2:

Promote a customer focused culture within the aircraft and when representing the aircraft operator

B3:

Lead by example and command the operation of the aircraft and the team by communicating in a calm, decisive manner

B4:

Be visible and approachable, treating customers, colleagues and other stakeholders with courtesy and respect at all times

B5:

Work confidently using initiative and resilience to proble m solve and escalate when required as per your aircraft operator’s procedures

B6:

Display loyalty, integrity and accountability to the aircraft operator

B7:

Be commercially aware to deliver an agile, efficient and professional aviation service

B8:

Appreciate situational awareness in complex, three dimensional and fast moving aviation situations

Technical Educational Products

ST0523 image
ST0523: First officer pilot (Level 6) Approved for delivery
Reference:
OCC0523
Status:
Approved occupation imageApproved occupation
Average (median) salary:
£74,044 per year
SOC 2020 code:
3511 Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers
  • SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
    • 3511/01 Airline pilots
    • 3511/99 Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers n.e.c.