To become a first officer, one must learn the physics of flight, controls, and be in good physical condition. Attending college or starting military service are two ways to achieve this. Meeting medical requirements and gaining experience as a pilot of small planes is also necessary. The first officer’s role is to assist the captain in various tasks.
First officers are an essential part of flying because they function as co-pilots. If you want to become a first officer, you will need to dedicate many years to learning the physics of flight and the controls that planes use. You will also need to be in excellent physical condition. As you climb the ladder of experience, from small planes to regional carriers and even international flights, one day you’ll be the person who sits next to the captain.
Learning about flying is essential to becoming a first officer, and there are two ways most people accomplish this feat. Attending college and earning a degree in aeronautical science will teach you the physics of flight and help you earn a pilot’s license as part of the curriculum. If college isn’t in your future, consider starting military service, which is where many pilots begin their careers. Every branch of the military needs airline pilots and provides the necessary training and experience.
Another consideration before beginning your quest to become a first officer is to ensure that you meet all of the medical requirements for the job. Every airline has its own set of restrictions, but most follow a similar pattern. Most have patterns of vision, hearing, balance and general health. Some will also take mental health history into account. Research the demands of each airline before applying for a job.
Once you have met basic education and health requirements, you will generally need to move up the career ladder to become a first officer. That might mean starting your career as a pilot of small planes for delivery companies and regional carriers, often never carrying passengers. This gives you the opportunity to get comfortable on many different planes, learning the controls, dealing with weather conditions and becoming familiar with protocols.
This apprenticeship period will also be a chance to learn the co-pilot responsibilities, whether as a first officer on a small plane or just studying. To become a first officer you need to understand that the first officer is there to help the pilot in any way he sees fit. This often requires you to handle all radio communications, monitor instruments, watch other planes’ traffic, or take over the controls when requested by the captain. You will also need to help with pre-flight and post-flight activities such as inspecting the plane and finalizing flight plans.
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