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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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72600.02 – Flight engineers

Flight engineers assist air pilots with monitoring, troubleshooting and maintenance of aircraft systems and with pre- and post-flight inspections.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Co-pilot
  • Flight engineer

Core competencies

  • Operation and Control to expertly control and adjust aircraft systems, including engines, hydraulics and electrical systems
  • Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment to continuously track the performance of aircraft systems, detect any irregularities or malfunctions and immediately adjust controls or notify the pilot for optimal aircraft operation and safety during flight
  • Problem Identification to inspect aircraft systems prior to takeoff according to pre-flight checklists, looking for signs of abnormalities or malfunctions that may indicate potential problems
  • Multi-Signal Response to rapidly and accurately interpret multiple instrument signals simultaneously to ensure optimal decision-making and safety during flight operations.
  • Attention to Detail to meticulously document findings when inspecting the airplane, detailing any equipment malfunctions, corrective actions taken and recommendations for follow-up maintenance
  • Knowledge in Public Safety and Security to understand aviation safety protocols, emergency response procedures and regulatory compliance comprehensively

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Inspect aircraft prior to takeoff according to pre-flight checklist and verify passenger and cargo distribution to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met
  • Assist air pilots in monitoring aircraft systems, equipment and functions during flight
  • Make in-flight repairs, such as replacing fuses and adjusting instruments, and follow emergency procedures to compensate for equipment malfunction or failure
  • Perform post-flight inspections, record equipment malfunctions and corrective actions taken during flight and report required repairs to ground maintenance personnel.

Additional information

  • Flight engineers may progress to co-pilot and pilot positions with required hours of flying experience and completion of licensing and endorsement requirements.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Air traffic controllers and related occupations (72601)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

TEER

2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations

Major group

72 – Technical trades and transportation officers and controllers

Sub-major group

726 – Transportation officers and controllers

Minor group

7260 – Transportation officers and controllers

Unit group

72600 – Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors

Occupational profile

72600.02 – Flight engineers

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.