RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PILOT

Up-to-date aircraft are operated by two pilots that create a crew. Despite subordination (captain- first officer) they are interdependent and both are of paramount importance for the safe outcome of the flight. One of them flies the aircraft and another handles communications and collision avoidance. This provides a sort of human redundancy as this team work allows them to cross check each other and thus minimize human factor mistakes.

Flight crew is responsible for

• ensuring the safety of all crew members and passengers on board
• mastering flight technique and aircraft operation to complete safe flight
• readiness of the aircraft for the flight and its correct loading
• correct assessment of meteorological and aeronautical information as per take-off, landing or during the flight

Captain bears responsibility for

- all crew members preparation for the flight

- correspondence of passengers number on board and number in transportation documents

- safe outcome of the flight, not depending on the fact whether he is pilot-flying or not

- following assigned flight plan and observance of minimum heights

- in time filling of log book

First officer submits to the captain. His responsibilities encompass participation in flight operation to be ready to assume responsibility at any moment under the captain’s order or in case the captain is unable to execute his functions. Thus, first officer is empowered

- to operate the aircraft on all stages of the flight

- to make ultimate decisions as per the flight if he is PF

- to adopt pilot in command’s power in case of his incapacitation

- to fill documentation

Before the flight

Pilots typically report for work an hour before departure in order to meet with other crew members on pre-flight briefing which is conducted by the captain. Prior to briefing the captain confers with forecasters, obtains and verifies meteorological information related to the flight.

On the briefing the captain selects alternative aerodromes, ultimately defines the necessary amount of fuel and discusses with other crew members the flight peculiarities. A first officer is in charge of calculation of take-off and landing characteristics, loading and centering.

Then crew proceeds to the aircraft and takes up other duties. Firstly, a first officer and following him the captain perform visual check of the plane for determining any dents, scratches, cut tires, consequences of maintenance work, for ensuring that outer surfaces are free from any deposits that may affect aircraft performance, that cargo is correctly loaded and fixed. A first officer checks and reports to the captain on closing of cargo hatches and fillers.

The first officer ensures that all radio and navigational equipment is operative, that fuel amount on board equals to the calculated one, that proper type of fuel is used and also controls correct fuel distribution. Then he reports to the captain. So, the captain has to be ensured that the aircraft is technically suitable, equipment and instruments are operative except the ones that are allowed by MEL.

Then all necessary information should be inserted into FMS.

In flight.

Pilots operate the flight in accordance with the Flight Plan. On modern aircraft pilots share their duties in accordance with being pilot-flying and pilot-non-flying. They steer the aircraft with assistance of autopilot and the flight management computer. PF operates the aircraft, PNF conducts communication with ATC, monitors and assesses the work of different systems, every 30 minutes checks the fuel supply which has to be efficient for reaching the destination. PNF duly reports to PF on all deviations and failures of airplane equipment. Pilots have to interact closely with the cabin crew to ensure friendly and effective passengers’ service.

Most modern aircraft have advanced computer systems that alert the pilot about any changes in weather or deviation from a scheduled flight

After the flight.

When on the ground first officer visually inspects the aircraft, fills the flight task and the captain certifies it with his signature. First officer arranges all manuals, maps and charts for another crew or returns them to Flight Dispatch Department. The captain conveys the aircraft to another crew or engineering personnel or properly parks and seals it and then places it under security.

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 1129