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Who is a Flight Engineer?
Aviation is the branch of engineering which is least forgiving of mistakes ~ Anonymous
A flight engineer is a vital part of any aircraft crew. They ensure every system on the plane runs smoothly and safely, making critical adjustments during flights. Unlike pilots, flight engineers focus on monitoring and managing the aircraft’s complex machinery and helping pilots with navigation.
Next time you fly, remember the flight engineer is behind the scenes, keeping everything efficient and secure. If you’re fascinated by aircraft systems—whether planes, helicopters, or even space vehicles—a career as a flight engineer might be the perfect fit for you.
Flight Engineer in a Nutshell
A Flight Engineer monitors and operates an aircraft’s complex systems like engines, fuel, and hydraulics during flight, ensuring optimal performance and safety. They assist pilots with technical issues, conduct inspections, and maintain records. This role requires strong technical knowledge, problem-solving, and communication skills. Training usually involves a degree in aviation or aerospace engineering and specialised certification.
Quick Facts for Flight Engineer
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Industry
Technology, Aviation
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Average Salary in India
₹55000
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
An Individual can take up a career as a flight engineer, it is not gender-specific. Men, women, and others can choose a career as a flight engineer. In order to become a flight engineer, an individual from any section or gender can do so. It does not matter which gender he or she belongs to when it comes to taking up flight engineering as a career option. Being a Flight Engineer in India is one of the most desired professions where an individual’s gender is insignificant. Although gender is insignificant in-flight engineer jobs it is heavily dominated by men according to the current statistics.
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Any special needs
No
People with special needs should not choose a career as Flight Engineer. A Flight Engineer job is not suited to everyone, specifically those with physical disabilities. It is not suitable for candidates with special needs. When it comes to doing flight engineer jobs it is better to be physically fit for a better and more efficient way of working. Differently-abled people cannot be a part of flight engineer jobs as it is a critical field and according to the rules, one needs to be physically fit.
Are you searching for how to become flight engineer after 12th? Scroll to read.
Table of Contents for Flight Engineer
What is the role of Flight Engineer?
Now you know who is Flight Engineer, now let us look at what is Flight Engineer, the role of a Flight Engineer and how to become a Flight Engineer. An Individual who opts for a career as a flight engineer has a wide range of roles both inside and underground. Prior to departure, he or she should check the aircraft and make sure it is safe for use. An Airport engineer usually has a preliminary checklist that must be completed before the flight is scheduled to fly.
This includes checks for any water leaks or tires that have gone up improperly. Flight engineers specialize in all aspects of aircraft machinery runway systems, pressure oil, wing flags and even grip gear. A Flight Engineer looks at the weather patterns and sees what is the amount of fuel that can be required. He or she controls the installation of air conditioners, cabin airflow, advanced electrical systems and engine power. The Flight Engineer submits a completed flight record.
If a problem occurs during a flight, it is his or her responsibility to file a proper report and contact the technicians for repair. A Student need to know how to become an aircraft performance engineer.
Inspection
The primary role of the flight engineer is to carry out the inspection process of the entire aircraft. It is done both, before the takeoff of the aircraft as well as after its landing. All the parts and machinery are checked if they are in sound condition and safe to use. It is a very critical task and one cannot skip any part as it can be life-threatening. An individual who opts for a career as a flight engineer completes a variety of pre-flight checks of the aircraft which include checking for any fluid leaks or worn tires.
Monitoring
Once the aircraft is in the air the flight engineer is responsible to monitor all the computer systems. He or she checks for abnormalities if any and takes the necessary actions to prevent them. Once the aircraft is in the air there is a lot that can go wrong if not constantly monitored therefore a flight engineer must always be there attentively looking after the aircraft and its functionality.
Mechanical knowledge
It is the responsibility of a flight engineer to read and be aware of the flight he or she is working on. Individuals who opt for a career as a flight engineer must know the plane’s mechanical instruments for example the fuel gauges, wing flaps, pressure indicators, and so on, and so forth. If a flight engineer won’t know what are the parts of the flight then will not be possible to inspect them or correct them.
Solve problems
Technologies keep evolving and changing every now and then the same goes for the machinery used in an aircraft. Therefore, airport engineers answer the pilot’s questions or concerns about a specific instrument and its operation on the aircraft. Individuals who opt for a career as flight engineers help solve all the machine-related doubts of a pilot.
Fuel check
Airport engineers are responsible for determining the proper amount of fuel required for the flight. Fuel comprises the major weight of a flight therefore, the flight engineer makes sure that the amount of fuel is not way too much that it unnecessarily increases the aircraft’s wait as well as it should not be so less that it runs out of fuel.
Maintaining flight log
A flight log is maintained by a flight engineer. He or she has to submit it after the flight has completed its journey. It contains all the necessary information about the flight and its machinery. It may be used in the future if required. Individuals who opt for a career as a flight engineer also file a report of any problems that arose during the flight and contact the mechanics about any necessary repairs.
Types of a Flight Engineer
There are types of a flight engineer. We have provided below some of the most common types of a flight engineer with their job descriptions.
Aviation Maintenance Technician: An aviation maintenance technician is a licensed person to carry out the inspection process of the aircraft. An aircraft maintenance technician uses several diagnostic equipment and gauges to test aircraft parts. He or she inspects the machinery to ensure it functions properly without errors. Aircraft maintenance technician generally works on general aircraft, piston-driven aeroplanes, helicopters or jets.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer: An aircraft maintenance engineer is a person who is responsible for maintaining the machinery being used in the aircraft. He or she is responsible for correcting the faulty ones as diagnosed by the technician or he or she may remove them and put new parts according to the requirements. These types of airport engineers aim at the proper functioning of the aircraft by removing all the faulty machinery.
Aviation Communications Engineer: An aviation communication engineer is a person who has been trained to specialise in aviation communication. Aviation communication includes a wide variety of things like handling navigation systems, air traffic control and surveillance systems. These types of flight engineers have the option of working for military air forces, at aerodromes and across private companies as well which are offering aviation services to people.
Airline Pilot: An airline pilot or airline commander flies aircraft and helicopters to provide transportation to passengers or cargo. The airline pilot operates the engines of the aircraft and controls to navigation and fly the air vessel. The ability to learn new technologies every time and to stay up-to-date with the changes in the industry is what airline pilots should possess. It is a possible job opportunity for a flight engineer. One needs to complete the licensing formalities and qualify for the test and if he or she is able to do so then one can become a co-pilot or pilot as well.
What is the workplace/work environment of Flight Engineer like?
Individuals who opt for a career as Flight Engineers spend most of their time on the plane itself. As a result, working hours are often not fixed due to frequent flight delays and changes in schedules that take place. Flight engineers usually have to work night shifts and travel across the country or around the world. This means they can have less time spent at home. When not in the air, most of their time is spent at the aircraft next to the airport. This is a definite benefit for those who do not like the typical and monotonous work environment.
Does Flight Engineer require travelling?
Likely
A Flight Engineer job is mostly about travelling. He or she is often required to travel by plane in which he or she is functioning on job. Individuals who opt for a career as a Flight Engineer need to go to whichever destination the aircraft is going to land. The technician may not have to travel but a Flight Engineer’s job does involve travelling.
Employment Shifts
Full Time
The employment shift of Individuals who opt for a career as a Flight Engineer is full-time in nature. The duration cannot be fixed as a lot depends on the schedule of the flight which often gets delayed due to several reasons like weather change or air traffic.
Employment Nature
Permanent, Contractual
The nature of the employment of a flight engineer is both contractual and permanent. Individuals who opt for a career as a Flight Engineer can be employed by a public or private organisation. Aspirants may locate Flight Engineer job opportunities with the help of recruitment websites where a number of employers post jobs on a regular basis.
Work Place
On-Field, Office, Air Craft Manufacturing Entities
Flight Engineers work in the field with other engineers. They are often required to visit manufacturing sites. Individuals who opt for a career as a flight engineer are required to travel to manufacturing sites and offices to test manufacturing machinery or other components.
Presence in Geographical Area
Semi-urban, Urban
A Flight Engineer can work only in places that have an airport or a hangar for the aircraft. Therefore he or she has to work either in urban or semi-urban geographical locations. Since airports are located in urban or semi-urban geographical areas, therefore a Flight Engineer operates in these kinds of geographic locations.
Time Pressure
Likely
Most Flight Engineers are required to work for a typical 9 hours per day. Individuals who opt for a career as a Flight Engineer usually spend most of their working time in offices and aeronautical laboratories. They might be required to work for long periods during the end time of the project to ensure and verify their work. Apart from this, the time pressure is quite high in the profession as there is no room for error.
Overtime Details
Typically, Flight Engineers work for 9 hours per day. The working hours exclusively depend on the role and responsibilities of an engineer. Individuals who opt for a career as a Flight Engineer with a considerable amount of experience are required to work for long hours usually than the normal working hours.
Weekly Hours of Work
There are no fixed working hours for a Flight Engineer. Individuals who opt for a career as a Flight Engineer have to work according to the flight schedule. International flights can be really long were individuals who opt for a career as Flight Engineers have to work for the entire night.
How to become a Flight Engineer?
Steps to become a Flight Engineer
Now you know which career to choose and looking for how to become a Flight Engineer then you are required to follow certain steps. We have mentioned below the steps for how to become a Flight Engineer.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Flight Engineer?
When it comes to how to become a flight engineer, the first thing that he or she should know about the skills required to become a flight engineer. Some of the essential skills we have mentioned below.
Communication Skills: Individuals who wish to opt for a career as a Flight Engineer must have a good command of his or her language. It is important for his or her job position to be able to explain their message to the recipient clearly and precisely. Being able to communicate well eliminates the probability of errors being caused due to any sort of miscommunication. It is essential to be a good listener in order to communicate well.
Decision-Making Skills: It is essential that a flight engineer is decisive in nature. There are several instances where a flight engineer is supposed to make decisions about the aircraft. Individuals who opt for a career as flight engineers need to be calculative as well as decisive about the decisions made as well as calculate the risks in taking those decisions. It is a field where no risks can be taken therefore everything needs to be done with precision.
Leadership: Flight Engineers should have the ability to work with a group of people as a team. Not only that he or she should be able to lead the team as well. Individuals who opt for a career as a Flight engineer may have a technician or a junior flight engineer under him or her. It is important that he or she is able to communicate well and work towards attaining a similar goal.
Attention to Detail: Individuals who opt for a career as a flight engineer are expected to have extremely high attention to detail. It is important in his or her job position that he or she does not miss out on anything while inspecting or performing tests. Each and every part of each and every aircraft’s machinery is supposed to be checked with utmost concentration to avoid any kind of unforeseen event.
Popular Online Engineering Courses and Certifications
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Flight Engineer?
We have provided the below certification courses that individuals may opt to upgrade their skills and knowledge for a career as a Flight Engineer.
Internship Availability
Internships are considered the best possible way for gaining experience in an individual's career choice. Airport Engineers provide the candidate with real-world experience. Internships provide aspiring candidates with the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge he or she gained during their time in college for pilots engineering, to bring to practical use. Not only that, but internships also enable the candidate to make connections in the field for future use.
If he or she performs well during the internship several companies or organisations could also hire the candidate on a full-time basis. The candidate can get an internship either through an online medium or he or she could also contact the aviation company of choice directly.
Career Path Progression for Flight Engineer
Junior Flight Engineer: A Junior Flight Engineer is a professional who is responsible for ensuring all the aircraft components are functioning properly and fixing any adjustments in the machinery. A Junior Flight Engineer who works under the guidance of the Senior Flight Engineer.
Senior Flight Engineer: A Senior Flight Engineer is an experienced professional who has worked earlier as a Flight Engineer who leads a team of Junior Flight Engineers and trains them. A Senior Flight Engineer identifies the complex flight tools and scales and helps the pilot in navigation.
Flight Engineer Jobs and Salaries
Junior Flight Engineer
- Average Salary 40000
Job Description
The Junior Flight Engineer job description includes monitoring and operating complex aircraft systems and doing pre-flight and post-flight inspections. Checks the aircraft whether it is safe to travel and the weather pattern and fuel required.
Salary Description
An entry-level Flight Engineer salary in India ranges between Rs 3.2 Lakhs to Rs 4.4 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 4.4 Lakhs per annum. Junior Flight Engineer salary in India may vary depending on the various job factors like skills and experience of the candidates, job location, and others.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
Senior Flight Engineer
- Average Salary 70000
Job Description
The Flight Engineer job description includes controlling the installation of air conditioners, cabin airflow, advanced electrical systems and engine power. If there is a problem in the flight, the Senior Flight Engineer files a report and contacts the technicians to repair it.
Salary Description
The estimated Flight Engineer salary in India ranges from Rs 3.5 Lakhs to Rs 39.7 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 10.0 Lakhs per annum. Senior Flight Engineer salary may vary depending on the various job factors.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
What is the job outlook for Flight Engineer?
Candidates who wish to become aircraft performance engineers experience quite a significant job growth. Job growth in the government sector is quite slow but there is a lot more job security than in the private sector. During this time of Covid-19, a lot of flight engineers have been sacked in private organisations but in government organisations, the jobs of flight engineers are still secured.
On the other hand, the private sector provides comparatively faster job growth in careers in flight engineering. Flight engineers are highly demanded by the military and airline companies. This is because the use of the very latest technology, operated under various programmes of commercial flights, is at risk of attack by mechanical problems. Read the complete article to know about how to become flight engineer.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Flight Engineer
Que. Is there a flight engineer on every flight?
Ans.Flight Engineers are compulsory to be there on flights with three or more engines and in large helicopters. But now, 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.
Que. Is being a flight engineer difficult?
Ans.The market for a Flight Engineers is shrinking as technology is advancing. It is getting difficult to be a part of this career. But there are several other responsibilities that cannot be performed by computers, at least not yet. Therefore for a person who enjoys practical and hands-on work and who wants to make a decent salary, a flight engineer is a great career choice.
Que. Can a mechanical engineer become a flight engineer?
Ans.Individuals belonging to the Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or aeronautical engineering field are eligible to become flight engineers. One should have knowledge of flight theory and he or she can be a part of this field.
Que. How many years does it take to become a flight engineer?
Ans.Two years of college (which means pursuing a diploma) is considered the minimum educational requirement for becoming a flight engineer. However, most airlines prefer to hire applicants who are college graduates. In order to increase job prospects, one can acquire a bachelor's degree in aeronautical, electrical or mechanical engineering.
Que. Do 767 flight engineer still required?
Ans.The Boeing 747, earlier needed a minimum of three flight engineers before taking off. But, now ever since the automation took place it does not require any Flight Engineer during its time in the air until and unless it is mandatory by the country the flight is flying in and even in that case, only one Flight Engineer is required.
Que. How to become flight engineer in IAF?
Ans.To become flight engineer in IAF, you must go through with the selection process. You need to write an entrance examination, give a phyiscal test, interview, and medical examination and after passing all these, the All India selection list will come.
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Questions related to Flight Engineer
how to become flight engineer after class 12th step by step process
Hello Bibek,
To become a flight engineer in India you must follow the following steps
You should first complete your 10+2 level education with a minimum of 60% marks aggregate in science stream (physics, chemistry and mathematics)
After 12th, you must pursue your Bachelors degree in Mechanical /Electrical /Aeronautical engineering with a minimum of 60% marks aggregate
After your graduation (BE/B.Tech) you must enroll in a recognized aviation institute and obtain a flight engineer certificate. To qualify for this certificate you must be of 21 years old (minimum) and also have done a 2 year long course in aircraft and engine maintenance or 3 or more years worth of experience in the field of aviation.
Also obtain medical fitness certificate and certificate regarding eye sight.
Candidates are also required to qualify in in-flight examinations regarding normal as well as emergency tasks.
Hope this helps and Good luck
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Did you know?
Fact 1
Flight engineers became key in the 1940s with large planes like the B-29.
Fact 2
By the 1980s, they were standard on most commercial jets before automation.
Fact 3
India trained flight engineers in the 1960s for Soviet heavy transport aircraft.
Fact 4
Modern jets like the Boeing 777 removed the flight engineer role via automation.
Fact 5
Flight engineers still serve in military aviation for large cargo and reconnaissance planes.
