Responsibilities of a pilot

Up-to-date aircraft are operated by two pilots that create a crew. Despite subordination (captain- first officer) they are interdependent and both are of paramount importance for the safe outcome of the flight. One of them flies the aircraft and another handles communications and collision avoidance. This provides a sort of human redundancy as this team work allows them to cross check each other and thus minimize human factor mistakes.

Flight crew is responsible for:

• ensuring the safety of all crew members and passengers on board

• mastering flight technique and aircraft operation to complete safe flight

• readiness of the aircraft for the flight and its correct loading

• correct assessing meteorological and aeronautical information as per take off, landing or during the flight

Captain bears responsibility for:

• all crew members preparation for the flight

• correspondence of passengers number on the board and number in transportation documents

• safety outcome of the flight, not depending whether he is pilot-flying or not

• following assigned flight plan and observance of minimum heights

• in time filling of log book

First officer submits to the captain. His responsibilities encompass participation in flight operation to be ready to assume responsibility at any moment under captain’s order or in case captain is unable to execute his functions. Thus first officer is empowered

• to operate the aircraft on all stages of the flight

• to make ultimate decisions as per the flight if he is PF

• to adopt pilot in command’s power in case of his incapacitation

• to fill documentation

Requirements for the pilots.

Every pilot is required to be:…

-quick-thinking ( as the aircraft moves rather quickly and especially during take-off and landing ultimate decision should be made in some seconds)

-responsible (pilots bear responsibility for the people who are behind their backs)

-attentive (aircraft has variety of systems, malfunction of any of them should be spotted in time)

-able to work under pressure (flying in congested airspace, landing at busy airports create tense and anxious atmosphere in the cockpit because any distraction

-level-headed ( in case of emergency pilot has to pull himself together and do his best in order to cope with the problem)

-able to cope with multi-task (pilots have to steer the aircraft, communicate with ATC, monitor different displays, keep in mind theoretical information simultaneously)

Benefits and drawbacks in pilot’s job

Like every profession pilot’s position has its benefits and drawbacks. Speaking about positive sides it is necessary to mention that this job gives an opportunity to travel abroad, to enjoy visiting different countries, to develop our outlook. I find this job stimulating as I always need to be fit physically and professionally. I like that I have an excellent salary and I work for a respected company. I have a responsible position, because I assume great responsibility for the lives of people who are on the board of the plane. One more positive point is having social benefits (paid holiday, paid sick-list)

But there are also disadvantages in this profession. For example, one of the most challenging aspects of this job is schedule, so fatigue from night flights, a lot of business trips, not being at home for a long time can be tiring. Pilots having long-range flights often experience jet-lag -tiredness and disorientation when you need to adjust to new climatic and time zone.

Commercial pilots face other types of job hazards- feeling of mental stress and pressure during take off and landing as these are the most complicated phases of the flight (pilot’s pulse increases significantly at this moment ).

But nevertheless the pluses prevail minuses.

Before the flight

Pilots typically report for work an hour before departure in order to meet with other crew members on pre-flight briefing which is conducted by the captain. Prior to briefing the captain confers with forecasters, obtains and verifies meteorological information related to the flight.

On the briefing the captain selects alternative aerodromes, ultimately defines the necessary amount of fuel and discusses with other crew members the flight peculiarities. First officer is in charge of calculation of take-off and landing characteristics, loading and centering.

Then crew proceeds to the aircraft and takes up other duties. Firstly first officer and following him the captain perform visual check of the plane for determining any dents, scratches, cut tires, consequences of maintenance work, for ensuring that outer surfaces are free from any deposits that may affect aircraft performance, that cargo is correctly loaded and fixed. First officer checks and reports to the captain on closing of cargo hatches and fillers.

The first officer ensures that all radio and navigational equipment is operative, that fuel amount on the board equals to the calculated one, that proper type of fuel is used and also controls correct fuel distribution. Then he reports to the captain. So the captain has to be ensured that the aircraft is technically suitable, equipment and instruments are operative except the ones that are allowed by MEL.

Then all necessary information should be inserted into FMS.

In flight.

Pilots operate the flight in accordance with the Flight Plan. On modern aircraft pilots share their duties in accordance with being pilot-flying and pilot-non-flying. They steer the aircraft with assistance of autopilot and the flight management computer. PF operates the aircraft, PNF conducts communication with ATC, monitors and assesses the work of different systems, every 30 minutes checks the fuel supply which has to be efficient for reaching the destination. PNF duly reports to PF on all deviations and failures of airplane equipment. Pilots have to interact closely with the cabin crew to ensure friendly and effective passengers’ service.

Most modern aircrafts have advanced computer systems that alert the pilot about any changes in weather or deviation from a scheduled flight

After the flight.

When on the ground first officer visually inspects the aircraft, fills the flight task and the captain certifies it with his signature. First officer arranges all manuals, maps and charts for another crew or returns them to Flight Dispatch Department. Captain conveys the aircraft to another crew or engineering personnel or properly parks and seals it and then places it under security.