Level 6 First Officer Pilot Apprenticeship

Are you an individual who would thrive in the opportunity to work with a variety of aircrafts? If the answer is yes, then the Level 6 First Officer Pilot Apprenticeship could be perfect for you.

Pilot flying aircraft
First Officer Pilot flying aircraft

Summary of the role

The first officer is also known as a co-pilot. They work in a variety of aircrafts, such as, commercial, military, passenger, or freight. The primary role is supporting the aircraft Commander assisting them to ensure safe and efficient conduct of a flight. If the Commander becomes incapacitated, the First Officer will assume the authority and responsibility for the aircraft and its crew, passengers, and load.

The Commander and the First Officer alternate roles during normal operations. These roles include ‘pilot handling’ and ‘pilot monitoring’. Ensuring the safety and security of the passengers and crew is always paramount.

Key Responsibilities and Roles

As a First Officer Pilot, you will be responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of every flight. Here are some examples of how this is done:

  • Being fully aware of the planned route, contents of briefing sheets, the forecast meteorological conditions and runway states at the destination and alternate aerodromes
  •  Supporting the Commander in the maintenance of high standards of crew discipline and conduct
  • Complying with UK ANO (Air Navigation Order) and the UK AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication)
  • Complying with all flight time limitations, company occurrence reporting and rest requirements applicable to their activities
  • Reporting to the Commander any incident or defect that could endanger the safe operation of the aircraft
  • During any emergency or abnormal situation, carrying out the drills and procedures as laid down in the appropriate Company Manual
Plane at Airport
Plane at airport

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

As a First Officer Pilot, you will be required to understand a host of knowledge, skills, and behaviors (KSB’s). Some include:

  • How to implement pre-flight planning and respond to en-route and terminal conditions
  • The procedure for checking flight instruments and operating automatic flight control systems
  • How weather conditions and their effect, impact on the implementation of the flight plan, including wind, clouds, precipitation, visibility, ice accretion, air masses and fronts
  • Ensure personal preparation and presentation standards are upheld in accordance with professional and organisational regulations and standards
  • Establish the airworthiness and air readiness of the aircraft
  • Communicate clearly and professionally with ATC and airport ground staff
  • Be vigilant, alert and proactive in promoting a safe, reliable, secure and compliant working culture within the first officer role
  • Lead by example and command the operation of the aircraft and the team by communicating in a calm, decisive manner
  • Display loyalty, integrity and accountability to the aircraft operator

Entry Requirements

Note that employers will set their own entry requirements. You will require a class 1 medical certificate to comply with EASA/CAA regulations. You must be at least 18 years old in order to apply for a multi-crew pilot licence and at least 21 years old to apply for an Air Transport Pilot Licence.

Qualifications

Prior to taking an end-point assessment, apprentices will require a frozen Air Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) or a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence followed by Aircraft Type Conversion Training and supervised Line Training.

Level 2 English and Maths is required before taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Additional Details

Occupational Level: 6

Duration: 24 months

Review: This apprenticeship will be reviewed after 3 years

Conclusion

If becoming a First Officer Pilot seems appealing, then this is the apprenticeship for you. During the apprenticeship you will cover the key roles, responsibilities and core duties required to be prepared and succeed in this job role. You will be provided with the relevant training and knowledge to set you on the right course to reaching you career goals. Follow our social media pages and newsletter for more up to date information and content.