How To Become a Flight Engineer

Keeping an aircraft safe, secure, and operational requires the dedication of many. A pilot is vital to fly an airplane, but what about those behind the scenes keeping aircraft equipment operational during the flight? That's the flight engineer! A career in flight engineering can open doors to various opportunities in the aviation industry. With experience, you can advance to senior engineering roles or transition into management, provided you possess the right skills. But before you do all that, learning how to become a flight engineer is also crucial.

What is a Flight Engineer?

Before learning how to become a flight engineer, it is essential to know more about this specific role. A flight engineer ensures that all aircraft subsystems are operational during a flight. During flight time, a flight engineer monitors the aircraft's systems, assists the pilot with navigation, and makes necessary adjustments. They also communicate with flight dispatchers, check fuel usage, and monitor cabin pressure.

Typically, flight engineers are hired by governments or larger companies operating large aircraft that come with higher risk factors due to their complex systems. Many countries require a qualified flight engineer on board three- and four-engine aircraft.

Steps to Becoming a Flight Engineer

So, how do you become a flight engineer? And how long does it take to become a flight engineer? Flight engineering is a specialized career path in the aviation sector. While many modern aircraft do not require a flight engineer, the role remains relevant in certain areas, such as cargo aviation, military aviation, and older commercial aircraft.

1. Understand the Role

Understanding how to become a flight engineer is easy. However, it is more challenging to determine if you have what it takes to become a flight engineer. This is why understanding the scope of this role is essential. Besides their assistance during flight, a flight engineer also conducts pre-flight and post-flight inspections. The flight engineers are responsible for ensuring that the aircraft runs efficiently. Understanding what the job description entails can help you take the necessary steps to achieve the goal. The job market for flight engineers is very niche. You require the appropriate education, certification, and skill set to plan a long-term aviation career. Understanding the role is about being well-informed, better prepared, and more confident in your decision. It ensures you’re not just chasing a title but stepping into a career you’re truly ready for.

2. Complete Your Education

If you are confident about the role, your second step in learning how to become a flight engineer is education. Flight engineering is a highly specialized area that demands technical educational qualifications. Most flight engineers pursue a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, or aviation maintenance. Alternatively, you can complete the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program from a government-approved institution.

These courses help you get acquainted with electrical systems, hydraulics, electromechanical systems, communication, aviation mechanical engineering, and thermodynamics.

3. Obtain Your License

How do you become a flight engineer? Besides the educational qualifications, obtaining a flight engineer license is a mandatory step in this role. In the United States, you will need an FAA Flight Engineer Certificate. You must take a written knowledge test and demonstrate practical skills and flying time on the applicable aircraft type. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, flight engineers hold a UK Part 66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). You will require a DGCA Flight Engineer Licence (FEL) in India. It is essential to review the license requirements to become a flight engineer in your country.

To enter military aviation, you must complete internal military training and certification based on the aircraft you operate.

4. Earn Your Type Rating

Since flight engineers operate on larger aircraft with complex systems, a type rating is typically necessary for aspiring individuals researching how to become a flight engineer. A type rating qualifies a pilot or, in some cases, a flight engineer, to operate on a specific aircraft model. A type rating indicates that the pilot meets the regulatory standards for a particular aircraft. In the United States, for instance, your FAA  Flight Engineer Certificate will also have a type rating for the aircraft type (reciprocating, turboprop, or turbojet) you are operating in. Type rating is often tied to the complexity and size of the aircraft.

5. Apply for Jobs in Flight Engineering

So, how long does it take to become a flight engineer? It takes about four years to complete your bachelor's degree. It might take longer if you pursue a master's degree for specialization. Once you have everything in place, it is time to apply for jobs in this field.

You can find opportunities in cargo airlines (such as FedEx and UPS), military aviation, and companies that still operate older fleets. Continue to check job boards for flight engineering positions. You can also check the websites of professional organizations in the aviation field. Don't forget to explore industry publications for job postings. Sometimes, aircraft manufacturers also open up positions in this role.

6. Focus on Networking

Networking is essential in any field, but it is even more vital in a niche field like flight engineering. When considering how to become a flight engineer, an important step is establishing connections with other aircraft personnel, which can help you find a job, learn more about aviation, and enhance your communication skills.

Besides networking, it is essential to stay updated with the latest developments in flight engineering and the most significant advancements in the aviation industry. Aviation is constantly evolving, requiring professionals to reskill and remain relevant in the job market.

What Skills Should a Flight Engineer Have?

We examined relevant questions, such as 'How do you become a flight engineer?' and 'How long does it take to become a flight engineer?' In addition to the appropriate qualifications and licenses, flight engineering requires a blend of technical, cognitive, and interpersonal skills.

• Technical skills: Your technical skills are also what your training will teach you. As the person responsible for monitoring complex aircraft systems, you must possess a sound knowledge of aircraft systems, mechanical aptitude, familiarity with engine controls, and proficiency in flight instruments.
• Communication skills: As a flight engineer, you will work closely with the pilot and co-pilot. Communication is the key to effectively conveying accurate information. A clear communication framework ensures the cabin crew works as a cohesive unit, especially during emergencies.
• Time management: Flights are dynamic, and flight engineers must juggle multiple responsibilities. Knowing the art of prioritization can help you sort time-sensitive items first.
• Adaptability: Aircraft are continuously evolving. It is essential to maintain a learning mindset and stay up-to-date. You must also adapt to changing flight conditions, unexpected problems, or variations in equipment.
• Problem-solving: As a flight engineer, you must often act calmly in trying circumstances. In such scenarios, a flight engineer must quickly interpret technical data and system warnings, making informed decisions that ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Job Opportunities for Flight Engineers

Searching for how to become a flight engineer is incomplete without the job outlook in the field. The job outlook is generally positive for this role, especially in military aviation and for those who stay current in an ever-evolving job market. It is undeniable that automation has reduced the need for specific roles in commercial aviation, but the demand for flight engineers in military and cargo aviation remains strong.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pilots and flight engineers working in scheduled air transport services earned a median annual salary of $191,340 in 2020. The same organization has also estimated that jobs for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers will grow by 3% between 2019 and 2029.

There is also scope for a flight engineer to switch job profiles with other similar roles. This is because several roles also share the same job responsibilities as those of a flight engineer. You can think of becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, avionic technician, air safety inspector, and with the requisite flight hours, a commercial pilot. You can also transition to ground operations, technical services, flight planning, or airline safety compliance.

Conclusion

So, how do you become a flight engineer? The path to becoming a flight engineer involves having a thorough understanding of the educational qualifications, licenses, and certifications required for the role. However, remember that any good research begins with understanding the job description of a flight engineer. A career in flight engineering is also not limited to that role. You can always think of moving to other similar job categories.  The skills you develop can also be transferable to related fields, providing a versatile career path. Various flight engineer jobs are opening up in both military and commercial aviation. If you are confident in your skills, it is time to start applying.