How to Become a First Officer

Let’s start with - what is a first officer on a plane? The first officer responsibilities include being the second pilot (also referred to as the co-pilot) to the captain of an aircraft. On hand to assist the captain in flight preparation and operation of the aircraft, the first officer is present to fly the plane, should anything happen to the captain. 

The captain will delegate tasks to the first officer, and it is assumed that they will fulfill these routine first officer duties.

What does a first officer do?

What does a first officer do on a plane? The first officer job description includes:

• Assisting the captain in flight preparation, tasks, and operations
• Notifying the captain of any variations in standard flight operations
• Support the captain with take-offs and landings
• Maintaining navigation manuals and charts
• Preparing the weight and balance forms for each flight
• Supervise fuelling, ground power unit, baggage loading, and appropriate servicing of aircraft
• Liaise with cabin crew and ground crew regularly to ensure all operations and procedures are in place pre-flight 
• Communicate with air traffic control during flight, take-off and landing
• Update aircraft logbook
• Inspect aircraft for operational and technical performance
• Act and control operations and procedures in the event of an emergency 

What qualifications do you need to become a first officer?

How to become a first officer? When you qualify as a pilot, your first role will usually be a first officer.

For first officer qualifications, you need to go through a few steps:

• You will need 4 GCSEs at grade A*-C (9-4) – preferably English, Maths and Science. Gaining a GCSE in another language will also be beneficial. You’ll also need at least 2 A-levels in similar subjects.
• Then, you must pass a background and security check by the aviation authority. These checks identify whether you have a criminal record.
• Next, you have to clear an Authority Class 1 Medical to gain a clearance certificate to be suitable for flying. These checks determine whether you are physically fit for the role, and if your vision and hearing are up to the required standard for a pilot.
• Once you have the prerequisites, you need to gain an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), which you can get through any relevant aviation authority-approved course you have completed. 

There are also other ways to gain experiences, for example:

• Advanced courses you can take to boost your skills pre-ATPL, improving your employability for the profession. Some universities offer a degree in aviation, which could make you a solid candidate. These are, however, notoriously expensive on top of an ATPL course.
• Another option to gain experience is through a Professional Aviation Pilot Practice apprenticeship. This can be of little cost if you are still in education, and is a great way to familiarise yourself with key areas of the role before enrolling in a course.
• If you’re thinking about becoming a pilot but aren’t sure. In that case, The Honourable Company of Air Pilots offers tests to inexperienced people to determine whether they can take on the first officer duties. 

Once you have the necessary background to begin an ATPL, it’s time to choose what type of course you’ll tackle. 

Note: You must be at least 21 years old to achieve a license. 

What are the different types of ATPL course routes?

The course for first officer jobs can be completed in an ‘Integrated’ or ‘Modular’ format. 

Integrated course: 

• This is a sustained period of training that lasts for 18 months. 
• It combines practical elements and theory work. 
• Also, it requires no prior flying experience, as it is an inclusive scheme that aims to give participants the necessary flying time to warrant an ATPL. 
• It’s an expensive option, with most courses costing around $50,000 – $100,000, or even more.

Modular course: 

• This method lets you complete your training in chunks to achieve specific modules at chosen times, freeing you to train when you want to. 
• This is a popular method as it allows you to earn in between modules, reducing the overall stress of the course. 
• As an intermittent course, you might need a private pilot’s license with 100-200 hours of flying experience to complete the practical modules.

Airlines might offer sponsorship to participants to complete their course. This is a helpful way to fund your training, which can be offered if pilots are in serious demand by airlines. Look into this early on, preferably before starting any courses, as the competition is high to gain sponsorship, for obvious reasons.

If you are a qualified pilot in the armed forces, you can complete a civil aviation course to become a commercial pilot.

Once you’ve achieved your ATPL, you need to undergo regular training to maintain your license. 

What skills do you need to become a first officer?

The first officer job description also includes skills that are beneficial to pilot jobs, like:

• Technical and engineering competency
• Knowledge and understanding of maths and physics
• Exceptional communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Teamwork
• Excellent coordination
• Spatial awareness
• The ability to solve problems
• The ability to make decisions under pressure
• The ability to remain calm under pressure

Conclusion

When discussing - “What does a first officer do on a plane?”, there are many first officer responsibilities to consider. And then there are the first officer qualifications. Hence, you should be sure of your will to become a pilot, as it takes a huge chunk of time, money, and resources.

We hope to have cleared your confusion regarding what is a first officer on a plane and now you know how to become a first officer. Start the process by choosing a course and a recognized school, and you’re good to go. All the best for your flying journey!