What Is a Professional Flight Engineer?
Professional flight engineers are responsible for making preflight, inflight and postflight inspections, adjustments and repairs. Professional flight engineers ensure that aircrafts are ready for travel by inspecting airplanes for fuel or oil leaks, electrical, hydraulic or pressurized malfunctions and any other possible defects. Before takeoff, professional flight engineers will verify passenger and cargo distribution and make sure that the weight and balance specifications are correct.
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Skills
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A professional flight engineer must know how the airplane controls and instruments work in the cockpit. A professional flight engineer's primary concern is safety, and must be aware of how all types of weather affect aircrafts. This profession requires a strong knowledge of navigation, flight patterns and air traffic control procedures.
Physical Requirements
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Professional flight engineers must have an excellent health history with no evidence of nervous system diseases or mental disorders. Professional flight engineers must have serviceable vision, hearing and equilibrium abilities. Any drug or alcohol dependencies will disqualify an individual for this profession.
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Education
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Professional flight engineers need to have a commercial pilot's license and, according to the FAA, a flight engineer certificate. To qualify for a certificate, applicants must complete at least a two-year course in engine and aircraft maintenance. Prospective professional flight engineers are required to pass written exams, which tests them on safety procedures. They also must have an understanding on regular and emergency procedures.
Opportunities
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Professional flight engineers have many career and advancement opportunities in this field. Engineers are able to move on to first officer positions and will gain seniority after five years of experience. After 15 years of experience, professional flight engineers can advance to a captain position.
Salary
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According to PayScale.com, professional flight engineers average $33 per hour during their first four years in their career. After four years, that average hourly wage increases to $63 per hour. A professional flight engineer with more than 20 years of experience can average up to $141 per hour.
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