Second officers are responsible for monitoring and controlling various aircraft systems including fixed-wing and rotary wing. They work in close coordination with the two pilots during all phases of flight. They make pre-flight, inflight, and post flight inspections, adjustments, and minor repairs. They verify parameters such as passenger and cargo distribution, the amount of fuel, aircraft performance, and appropriate engine speed according to instructions of pilots.
Rate 5 of the 26 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
use meteorological information
ensure ongoing compliance with regulations
interpret visual literacy
deal with challenging work conditions
carry out navigational calculations
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (26)
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...electrical systems used in transportationelectrical systems used in transportationThe functioning of electrical systems, their specifications, and application in operations and systems for the transportation of freight and people.electronicselectronicsThe functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.air transport lawair transport lawThe rules and regulations governing air transport, including international law.airport safety regulationsairport safety regulationsThe applicable airport safety regulations and instructions.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.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.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.interpret visual literacyinterpret visual literacyInterpret charts, maps, graphics, and other pictorial presentations used in place of the written word.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 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.carry out navigational calculationscarry out navigational calculationsSolve mathematical problems to achieve safe navigation.address aircraft mechanical issuesaddress aircraft mechanical issuesIdentify and resolve mechanical issues which arise during flight. Identify malfunctions in fuel gauges, pressure indicators and other electrical, mechanical or hydraulic components.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.ensure compliance with airport security measuresensure compliance with airport security measuresEnsure compliance with airport security measures prior to the boarding of planes.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.read 3D displaysread 3D displaysRead 3D-displays and understand the information they provide on positions, distances, and other parameters.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.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.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.comply with checklistscomply with checklistsFollow checklists and ensure compliance with all the items included in them.perform aircraft maintenanceperform aircraft maintenanceCarry out inspection and maintenance on aircraft parts according to the maintenance procedures and documentation, and perform repair work to remedy functional and deterioration problems.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...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.follow verbal instructionsfollow verbal instructionsHave the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.
Optional (8) — show
launching of satellites into orbitlaunching of satellites into orbitThe different procedures, phases, and requirements for launching satellites into orbit.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.undertake procedures to meet helicopter flight requirementsundertake procedures to meet helicopter 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...make independent operating decisionsmake independent operating decisionsMake immediate operating decisions as necessary without reference to others, taking into account the circumstances and any relevant procedures and legislation. Determine alone which option is the best...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.have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.consider economic criteria in decision makingconsider economic criteria in decision makingDevelop proposals and take appropriate decisions taking into account economic criteria.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
Second officers are responsible for monitoring and controlling various aircraft systems including fixed-wing and rotary wing. They work in close coordination with the two pilots during all phases of flight. They make pre-flight, inflight, and post flight inspections, adjustments, and minor repairs. They verify parameters such as passenger and cargo distribution, the amount of fuel, aircraft performance, and appropriate engine speed according to instructions of pilots.
What skills does a second officer need?
A second officer needs 26 essential skills, including geographic areas, aircraft flight control systems, electrical systems used in transportation, electronics, air transport law.
Will AI replace second officer jobs?
The AI disruption score for second officer is 33/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: comply with checklists, carry out navigational calculations, read 3D displays. Most resilient: deal with challenging work conditions, perform routine flight operations checks, perform aircraft maintenance.