What is a third pilot called?

The Unsung Member of the Cockpit: Exploring the Roles Beyond Captain and First Officer

The image of a commercial flight crew often conjures up the captain and first officer, two individuals sharing the responsibility of safely piloting a large aircraft. But what about a third pilot? The answer, surprisingly, is nuanced and depends heavily on the context. There isn’t a universally recognized title for a third pilot in the way there is for the captain and first officer. The role itself has evolved significantly over aviation history.

Historically, the most common additional crew member wasn’t strictly a “pilot” in the same sense as the captain or first officer. Instead, many aircraft incorporated a flight engineer. This crucial role focused on the mechanical aspects of flight. The flight engineer monitored and managed vital systems like engines, fuel, hydraulics, and other complex machinery. They were responsible for ensuring these systems operated within safe parameters and were vital for troubleshooting any mechanical issues during the flight. Their expertise allowed the captain and first officer to concentrate on piloting the aircraft and managing air traffic control communications.

With advancements in technology, the responsibilities previously handled by the flight engineer have been increasingly automated. Modern aircraft rely heavily on sophisticated computer systems for monitoring and controlling many of these functions. As a result, the role of the flight engineer has diminished in commercial aviation, largely disappearing from most airline operations.

So, what about a situation requiring a third pilot without a flight engineer role? In such cases, the additional crew member might be referred to by a variety of informal titles depending on their specific responsibilities. They might be a pilot-in-command trainee, gaining experience under supervision, or a safety pilot during specialized operations or training exercises. Some airlines might use the term third officer in their internal documentation, though this isn’t a standardized, universally understood title.

In summary, there isn’t a single definitive answer to “What is a third pilot called?”. The answer depends on the historical context, the specific aircraft, and the individual’s duties. While the flight engineer held a prominent position in the past, the term “third pilot” itself is more fluid and reflects a temporary or specialized role rather than a standard crew position in contemporary commercial aviation. The precise title, if any, would be dictated by the airline or organization operating the flight.