Engineering ServicesISCO 3153
Co-pilot
A co-pilot in aviation is a person who supports the captain in flying the aircraft and takes over the controls when that is required.
Check yourself in a minute: co-pilot
Rate 5 of the 37 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
interpret visual literacy
read maps
have spatial awareness
operate cockpit control panels
perform flight manoeuvres
About co-pilot
The co-pilot monitors the flight instruments, works the radios, watches other air traffic and carries out routine checks of flight operations. They work to the captain's instructions, to the flight plan, and to the rules and procedures of the national aviation authority, the airline and the airports being used. The co-pilot also uses different communication channels.
Preparing the flight belongs to the role as well. The co-pilot checks how the load is distributed and balanced, which is to say whether the mass sits inside the limits set for that aircraft type, analyses written work reports, and applies the common aviation safety rules. On the apron and in the airside area the prescribed safety procedures are followed.
The decision to take off, to land, and how to act in an abnormal situation rests with the captain, while the co-pilot follows the captain's instructions and takes over when needed. A commercial pilot licence and a type rating are required, both issued by the civil aviation authority of the country concerned.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a co-pilot.
1
Flight Operations and Navigation
- Monitor all flight instruments and systems displays throughout flight duration
- Navigate aircraft using flight management systems and radio navigation aids
- Brief flight plan details and verify route compliance with air traffic control clearances
2
Communication and Air Traffic Management
- Handle radio communications with air traffic control throughout all flight phases
- Maintain situational awareness by monitoring surrounding air traffic and weather
- Report aircraft position, altitude, and heading at required intervals
3
Pre-Flight and Systems Management
- Conduct thorough pre-flight inspections and verify aircraft systems functionality
- Manage aircraft systems including hydraulics, electrical, pressurization, and environmental controls
- Prepare flight plans and coordinate with dispatch regarding fuel, weight, and balance
4
Safety and Emergency Procedures
- Adhere to national aviation regulations and airline-specific operating procedures
- Execute emergency procedures and abnormal checklists as required during flight
- Brief crew on safety procedures and passenger emergency protocols prior to departure
5
Crew Coordination and Command Support
- Maintain professional and effective communication with the captain and flight crew
- Assist captain with flight management and provide accurate information for decision-making
- Be prepared to assume command if captain becomes incapacitated
6
Compliance and Professional Development
- Maintain compliance with flight time limitations and rest requirements
- Participate in recurrent training and type rating currency requirements
- Follow airport-specific procedures and standard operating procedures for each facility
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (37)
geographic areasgeographic areasThe detailed knowledge of a geographical area where different organisations carry out operations.aircraft flight control systemsaircraft flight control systemsThe setting, features and operation of aircraft flight control systems such as flight control surfaces, cockpit controls, connections, and operating mechanisms required to control the flight direction...air transport lawair transport lawThe rules and regulations governing air transport, including international law.interpret visual literacyinterpret visual literacyInterpret charts, maps, graphics, and other pictorial presentations used in place of the written word.read mapsread mapsRead maps effectively.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.have spatial awarenesshave spatial awarenessBe aware of your position and the space around you. Understand the relationship of objects around you when there is a change of position.operate cockpit control panelsoperate cockpit control panelsOperates control panels in the cockpit or flight deck according to the needs of the flight. Manage on-board electronic systems to ensure a smooth flight.perform flight manoeuvresperform flight manoeuvresPerform flight manoeuvres in critical situations, and associated ‘upset’ manoeuvres, in order to avoid collision.read 3D displaysread 3D displaysRead 3D-displays and understand the information they provide on positions, distances, and other parameters.apply transportation management conceptsapply transportation management conceptsApply transport industry management concepts in order to improve transportation processes, reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve schedule preparation.comply with air traffic control operationscomply with air traffic control operationsAct in compliance with instruction provided by air traffic controllers.balance transportation cargobalance transportation cargoMaintain balance and mass distribution inside the means of transport (vessel, aircraft, train, road vehicles, etc). Ensure that passengers and cargo distribution do not hinder the mobility of the mode...perform take off and landingperform take off and landingPerform normal and cross-wind take-off and landing operations.run preventive simulationsrun preventive simulationsRun preventive audits or simulations with new signalling systems. Assess operability and detect flaws for improvement.operate radar equipmentoperate radar equipmentOperate radar screens and other radar equipment. Ensure that aircraft fly at a safe distance from one another.inspect aircraftinspect aircraftConduct inspections of aircraft and aircraft components, their parts, appliances, and equipment, to identify malfunctions such as fuel leaks or flaws in electrical and pressurisation systems.prepare transportation routesprepare transportation routesPrepare routes through the addition or subtraction of routes, making changes to route frequency, and changing the service span of routes. Adjusts routes through providing additional running time to ro...analyse work-related written reportsanalyse work-related written reportsRead and comprehend job-related reports, analyse the content of reports and apply findings to daily work operations.perform routine flight operations checksperform routine flight operations checksPerform checks before and during flight: conduct pre-flight and in-flight inspections of aircraft performance, route and fuel usage, runway availability, airspace restrictions, etc.implement airside safety proceduresimplement airside safety proceduresApply a series of airfield safety rules and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for airport crew.common aviation safety regulationscommon aviation safety regulationsThe body of legislation and regulations that apply to the field of civil aviation at regional, national, European and International levels.ensure aircraft compliance with regulationensure aircraft compliance with regulationEnsure that every aircraft complies with applicable regulation and all components and equipment have officially valid components.ensure ongoing compliance with regulationsensure ongoing compliance with regulationsConduct tasks and procedures to ensure that aviation certificates maintain their validity; undertake safeguarding measures as appropriate.operate radio equipmentoperate radio equipmentSet up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in ...deal with challenging work conditionsdeal with challenging work conditionsDeal with challenging circumstances in which to perform work, such as night work, shift work, and atypical working conditions.ensure smooth on board operationsensure smooth on board operationsEnsure the trip goes smoothly and without incidents. Before departure review if all security, catering, navigation and communication elements are in place.air traffic control operationsair traffic control operationsThe procedures for organising air traffic, preventing collisions and ensuring smooth operations during flights, and the tasks performed by air traffic controllers, including Interaction and effective ...visual flight rulesvisual flight rulesTypes of flight rules which are a compilation of regulations that allow pilots to fly aircrafts in clear as well as unclear weather conditions whereby it is declared that outside visual reference to t...follow verbal instructionsfollow verbal instructionsHave the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.use meteorological informationuse meteorological informationUse and interpret meteorological information for operations dependent on climatic conditions. Use this information to provide advise on safe operations in relation to weather conditions.civil aviation regulationscivil aviation regulationsThe body of regulations, rules and signals that apply to the field of civil aviation, including marshalling signals.handle stressful situations in the work placehandle stressful situations in the work placeDeal with and manage highly stressful situations in the workplace by following adequate procedures, communicating in a quiet and effective manner, and remaining level-headed when taking decisions.undertake procedures to meet aircraft flight requirementsundertake procedures to meet aircraft flight requirementsEnsure that operation certificates are valid, guarantee that take-off mass is a maximum of 3,175 kg, verify that the minimum crew is adequate according to regulations and needs, ensure that the config...undertake procedures to meet requirements for flying aircraft heavier than 5,700 kgundertake procedures to meet requirements for flying aircraft heavier than 5,700 kgEnsure that operation certificates are valid, validate that take-off mass is a minimum of 5,700 kg, verify that the minimum crew is adequate according to flight needs and regulations, ensure that the ...ensure public safety and securityensure public safety and securityImplement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.operate radio navigation instrumentsoperate radio navigation instrumentsOperate radio navigation instruments to determine the position of aircraft in the airspace.
Optional (9) — show
communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.carry out navigational calculationscarry out navigational calculationsSolve mathematical problems to achieve safe navigation.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...respond to changing navigation circumstancesrespond to changing navigation circumstancesRespond decisively and in sufficient time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations while navigating.apply airport standards and regulationsapply airport standards and regulationsKnow and apply the accepted standards and regulations for European airports. Apply knowledge to enforce airport rules, regulations, and the Airport Safety Plan.analyse weather forecastanalyse weather forecastAnalyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. Constantly monitor weather conditions to maint...tolerate stresstolerate stressMaintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.geostationary satellitesgeostationary satellitesThe functioning and purpose of geostationary satellites, their movement in the same direction as rotation of the Earth, and their application for telecommunication and commercial purposes.be friendly to passengersbe friendly to passengersEngage with passengers according to the expectations of contemporary social behaviour, the specific situation, and the code of conduct of the organisation. Communicate in a polite and clear way.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a co-pilot do?
Co-pilots are responsible for assisting captains by monitoring the flight instruments, handling radio communications, watching for air traffic, and taking over for the pilot as needed. They adhere to the pilot's commands, flight plans, and regulations and procedures of aviation national authorities, companies, and airports.
What skills does a co-pilot need?
A co-pilot needs 37 essential skills, including geographic areas, aircraft flight control systems, air transport law, interpret visual literacy, read maps.
Will AI replace co-pilot jobs?
The AI disruption score for co-pilot is 68/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: carry out navigational calculations, write work-related reports, civil aviation regulations. Most resilient: deal with challenging work conditions, tolerate stress, perform flight manoeuvres.
AI Replacement Risk
68/ 100
High Risk
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Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
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SectorEngineering Services
ISCO GroupScience and engineering associate professionals
Essential Skills37
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