duties of the first officer

[DavidB_MD]

Hi Jeremy,
I was wondering about the duties of a FO as compared to a CA. Are they certain things that a CA must perform and the FO can not? Also, how often do you fly with the same captain or is it different every trip?

On a side note, when upgrading from the regionals to a major, do you always start as a FO even if you were a CA at the regional level?

Thanks.
David

[ExpressJet Jeremy]

Hey David, wow, great questions...

First of all, the biggest difference between the CA and FO is that the CA is the PIC and responsible for the safe operation of the flight. As an FO, the CA is your boss. Beyond that, a good CA/FO relationship will have both working together and discussing issues before the CA makes a decision. The days of the heavy handed. authoritative CA are pretty much over (but some havent yet gotten that message ).

As far as duties, before the flight, the FO generally performs the walk around, gets the weather and deals with Weight & Balance. The CA is usually reviewing the weather, flight plan, NOTAMs, performance and fuel issues. At ExpressJet, usually the FO gets the clearance, but some airlines may do that one differently (some CAs prefer to do this so they can ensure that they get it right).

During the flight, the CA and FO take turns flying, usually each person flys two legs and then swaps duties for the next two legs. The pilot not flying will handle radio communications, anything that comes up and any navigation duties that may require more attention than just pressing Direct in the FMS.

If an emergency arises in flight (mechanical or otherwise), the CA will usually have the FO do the flying so that the CA can focus on managing the emergency.

After the flight, the FO will handle the post flight walk around (which doubles as a preflight if you're going right back out).

Depending on the company, you may have the same CA for a month or you may never see them again. I have flown with the 4 captains more than once, in 2 years. CA and FO monthly schedules are the same, but so much trading happens that you rarely fly with the same person. Next month, now that Im getting more senior, I dont have to trade, my line is good, and I know that my CA doesnt trade much (I flew with him once last month), so we'll likely be together all month long in March.

Finally, aviation is one of the few industries where your pay and status do not follow you to the next job. It is strict seniority. The only difference between the guy on the left versus you, is that they were hired sooner.

Hope this helps. Great questions.

Jeremy