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Becoming a flight engineer requires extensive training in complex concepts, mathematics, and aviation. The minimum age is 21, and a rigorous physical exam is required. Completion of two years of college and specific training is necessary, and competition for top positions is high. The need for new flight engineers is decreasing as newer planes require only two pilots.
To become a flight engineer, you must first acquire specific training. Most flight engineers are able to understand very complex concepts, have a knack for complicated mathematical formulas, and have a general interest in aviation. The requirements to become a flight engineer include extensive training which can be expensive. Training can be acquired from the armed forces or from various civil aviation schools certified by regional aviation authorities. It might be easier to start your career as a flight engineer with one of the smaller regional airlines and work your way up through the ranks.
The minimum age to become a flight engineer is 21 years old. Like pilots, flight engineers must pass a rigorous physical exam. A second-class medical certificate and perfect vision are required through the use of corrective lenses, contacts or corrective laser eye surgery. Flight engineers are also required to speak, write, read and understand the English language or have a language limitation indicated on their flight engineer license. Other required studies include courses in meteorology, aircraft systems, aerodynamics theory, fuel consumption calculation and emergency procedures.
Completion of two years of college and specific training is required for everyone who wants to become a flight engineer. Flight training begins with commercial pilot training and obtaining a commercial pilot license, which requires 250 hours of logged flight time before an application to become a flight engineer can be submitted. Civilian flight engineers must acquire additional training through organizations such as the Flight Training School for Air Transport Professionals or the US Air Force if they are serving in the armed forces. The prospective flight engineer can then submit an application to obtain a flight engineer license. Before obtaining a license, he or she must pass tests covering subjects such as pre-flight inspection, maintenance of an aircraft, pre-takeoff and landing procedures.
Competition for top airline or air carrier flight engineer positions is likely to be high. Starting with a smaller regional or passenger airline allows you to gain the necessary experience and knowledge required by most large national airlines. Some people who want to become flight engineers start their careers as air traffic controllers or working in airfield operations and then work their way up. In 2011, the need for new flight engineers is dwindling as many of the newer planes are designed to only require two pilots. Licensed pilots who have also obtained a flight engineer license are preferred by most major domestic and international airlines.
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