What is the third pilot in the cockpit called?

The Role of the Third Pilot in Vintage Jetliners: The Flight Engineer

In the early days of jet aviation, the cockpit of commercial airliners typically featured a crew of three: the pilot, the co-pilot, and the flight engineer. While the pilot and co-pilot were responsible for flying the aircraft, the flight engineer played a vital role in managing its complex systems and instruments.

The flight engineer’s position was often located behind the pilot and co-pilot, in a dedicated station equipped with an array of controls and gauges. Their primary responsibilities included:

• Monitoring and managing engine performance: The flight engineer continuously monitored engine parameters such as temperature, RPM, and fuel flow. They made adjustments as necessary to maintain optimal engine performance and detect any potential issues.

• Controlling fuel systems: The flight engineer managed the aircraft’s fuel tanks, ensuring a balanced distribution of fuel and coordinating refueling procedures.

• Operating hydraulic and electrical systems: The flight engineer controlled the aircraft’s hydraulic and electrical systems, ensuring that all critical components received proper power and fluid flow.

• Monitoring flight instruments: The flight engineer monitored a wide range of flight instruments, including navigation, communication, and weather data. They provided the pilots with essential information regarding the aircraft’s position, altitude, and weather conditions.

In addition to these technical responsibilities, the flight engineer also played a crucial communication role between the cockpit and the cabin crew. They relayed instructions and information to the cabin crew regarding passenger safety and comfort, and they coordinated emergency procedures as needed.

As aircraft technology advanced and systems became more automated, the role of the flight engineer gradually diminished. By the 1980s, most commercial airliners had transitioned to a two-pilot cockpit, with the flight engineer’s duties integrated into the pilot’s responsibilities. However, in vintage jetliners, the flight engineer’s position remains a testament to the complexity and demanding nature of early aviation.