A flight engineer (FE), also sometimes called an air engineer, is the member of an aircraft’s flight crew who monitors and operates its complex aircraft systems. In the early era of aviation, the position was sometimes referred to as the “air mechanic”.
Are flight engineers in demand?
? The South Africa. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts declining job prospects for flight engineers. This is due largely to advances in aircraft technology and the use of computer programs that do much of the work originally assigned to these engineers.
Can a flight engineer fly a plane?
A flight engineer does not pilot the aircraft. Instead, you assist the pilot by monitoring the aircraft’s instruments and performing maintenance during the flight. You are also responsible for performing a basic inspection of the engine and other mechanical systems before each flight.
Is a pilot an engineer?
Airplane and helicopter pilots are well trained, skilled professionals. The majority of pilots are classified as flight engineers, copilots, and airline pilots.
Is being a flight engineer hard?
While demand for flight engineers is indeed declining and getting into this career is difficult, to say the least, it’s great for people who enjoy practical and hands-on work and who want to make a decent salary.
Responsibilities To Become Flight Engineer In South Africa
Flight Engineer ensures that the Engine, Instruments and Controls of the aircraft are in perfect condition.
They are also responsible for checking the loading of baggage or cargo into the aircraft.
They plan the route for the flight on the basis of the information obtained by conferring the flight dispatcher and weather forecaster.
They also adjust the speed of the aircraft according to the instructions given by the Pilots. It is their responsibility to take emergency measures in the case of equipment failure occurred due to any reasons.
As new types of planes are emerging every day, the demand for flight engineers is increasing.
They can become pilots, co-pilots or flight instructors according to their interests. http://entrance-exam.net/flight-engineer-%E2%80%93-how-to-become-flight-engineer/
How To Become Flight Engineer In South Africa
Qualifying Exam
Flight engineer should have Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Aeronautical Engineering.
If they do not have an Engineering degree, then they should have Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics or Physics.
They should also need to obtain Flight Engineer certificate from any recognized Aviation Institute and pass the required medical test for checking eyesight and health problems.
Who are eligible to apply?
Candidates who aspire to become flight engineers should pass higher secondary exam or its equivalent with subjects Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry.
Then they should obtain degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics.
For doing graduation they need to qualify an entrance test conducted by the concerned University.
They can join any college on the basis of the score obtained in this test to pursue their graduation.
Several recognized aviation Institutes are there to provide flight engineering course.
Candidates can seek admission in any of these Institutes after obtaining suitable score in their entrance tests.
Key elements in the process
Pass plus two or its equivalent with subjects Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
Obtain degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics
Join any recognized Aviation Institute
Obtain Flight Engineer certificate
Pass Medical test
Apply for the job
Skills required for Flight Engineer
They should have deep knowledge in electrical, mechanical and other related fields. They should have a better understanding of flight theory and flight maintenance.
They should have the ability to understand and interpret diagrams, charts and flight journals. They should have the ability to work under pressure as this is a risky job. http://entrance-exam.net/flight-engineer-%E2%80%93-how-to-become-flight-engineer/
Is Flight engineer a good career?
The salary and benefits of flight engineers are pretty decent. Flight engineers enjoy high job satisfaction, along with a feeling of accomplishment.
How do I become a certified flight engineer In South Africa?
Process for Becoming a Flight Engineer
To be eligible for the license, candidates need to be 21 years of age, speak English, hold a private pilot certificate, pass the practical test, and log 200 hours of flight time on airplanes.
Do they still have flight engineers In South Africa?
Flight engineers can still be found on some larger fixed-wing airplanes and helicopters. In most modern aircraft, their complex systems are both monitored and adjusted by electronic microprocessors and computers, resulting in the elimination of the flight engineer’s position.
How many years does it take to become a flight engineer In South Africa?
Two years of college is considered the minimum educational requirement for flight engineers; however, most airlines prefer to hire applicants who are college graduates. In order to increase job prospects, you can acquire a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical or mechanical engineering.
Can a girl become a flight engineer In South Africa?
Squadron Leader Aashritha V Olety is the first and only woman in the IAF qualified for the role, and as a flight test engineer, she will be responsible for evaluating aircraft and airborne systems before their induction into the armed forces, said one of the officials.
What is a flight engineer license?
Flight engineers assist aircraft pilots and engineering maintenance staff by operating aircraft instruments and systems. This license authorizes you to undertake the duties of a flight engineer, however, you must also be endorsed for the specific class of aircraft that you will be operating in.
Does a 747 have a flight engineer?
“It’s more work” than today’s largely automated airplanes,” Jakyl says of the -200 variant of the 747, “but it’s a lot of fun.” So much more work, in fact, that the airplane still utilizes a third member of the flight crew — known as a “flight engineer.”
When did they stop having flight engineers In South Africa?
2002
The flight engineer position effectively ceased after ‘9/11’ in 2002 when the three crew 747s were grounded because of cost. The navigator was often as old as the captain, frequently with distinguished wartime experience.