Flight Engineer
こうくうきかんし
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A profession that monitors aircraft engines and systems, cooperating with the captain and first officer to support safe flight operations.
Description
Flight Engineers serve as the third crew member alongside the captain and co-pilot, continuously monitoring and operating various systems such as engine performance, hydraulics, fuel, and electrical systems. They handle pre-flight system checks, fuel and weight distribution calculations, troubleshooting during emergencies, and executing procedures based on checklists to support safe and efficient flights. In recent years, their deployment has decreased due to automation, but there is still demand at airlines operating cargo flights or older aircraft types.
Future Outlook
Due to advancements and automation, the deployment of flight engineers is declining, but demand is expected to remain for cargo flights and specific aircraft types.
Personality Traits
Calm and composed / Cautious / Strong sense of responsibility / Team-oriented
Work Style
Irregular Hours / Long-haul Flights / Shift Work / Team-based
Career Path
Flight Engineer → Senior Flight Engineer → Operations Manager → Training Instructor
Required Skills
Aircraft System Operation and Monitoring / Aviation Terminology Understanding (English) / Emergency Response / Fuel Management and Weight Distribution
Recommended Skills
Aerospace Electronics Engineering / Communication Skills (English) / Leadership Experience / Meteorology Knowledge
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Necessary to flexibly respond to changes in flight conditions and weather. |
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | Necessary to analyze diverse system data during flight and determine normality. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Necessary to accurately monitor without missing even small signs of abnormalities. |
| Problem Solving | Essential ability to quickly identify causes and take action when abnormalities occur. |
| Stress Tolerance | Necessary to endure tension during high-altitude and long-duration flights and respond calmly. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Required to closely collaborate with the captain and first officer to support operations. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Routine tasks are the main focus, so creativity is not particularly required. |
Related Qualifications
- Flight Engineer Skill Certification
Aliases
- Flight Engineer
Related Jobs
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
- Captain
- First Officer