Apprenticeship training course

First officer pilot (level 6)

There are 7 training providers who offer this course. Check if a training provider can deliver this training in the apprentice's work location.

Information about First officer pilot (level 6)

Support aircraft captains and commanders during flights.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • The UK CAA license and instrument rating requirements for the aircraft and role
  • The standards required for personal presentation and fitness for duty within their organisation (including uniform standard)
  • How to implement pre-flight planning and respond to en-route and terminal conditions
  • How to prepare a new flight plan or retrieve an existing flight plan
  • Know and understand the checks necessary to establish pre-flight airworthiness and air-readiness
  • How to liaise effectively with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and airport ground staff
  • The procedure for checking flight instruments and operating automatic flight control systems
  • The procedure for checking and operating aircraft propulsion units, systems and controls
  • The procedure for checking and operating navigation equipment, radio aids, surveillance equipment and radar appropriate to the flight
  • How to carry out start procedures and comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during site manoeuvring
  • The organisations service routines for the specific flight/route/sector
  • The airline SOPs and how to maintain control, smoothly and safely during all stages of flight
  • Automated systems affecting flight control and navigation
  • 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
  • How to evaluate, respond to and manage abnormal situations
  • The organisations procedures for releasing the aircraft
  • The organisations procedures to be carried out after the last flight of the day
  • The procedures for recording and reporting malfunctions and faults
  • Aviation procedures and practices required for the completion of aircraft and safety documentation
  • The refuelling procedures for the aircraft type
  • Know the limitations and performance of the aircraft as laid down in the relevant Flight Manual and/or Operations Manual
  • The importance of legislation, procedures and regulations relating to an aviation environment in order to apply and deliver organisational compliance requirements within own area of responsibility
  • The UK ANO (Air Navigation Order) and the UK AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication)
  • The UK Ops regulations
  • Know and understand the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards and recommended practices
  • Know and understand the importance of Regulatory line checks and License Proficiency Checks
  • How to maintain the security of aircraft, crew and payload
  • Requirements for maintaining aviation security in own area of authority and action to take in the event of a breach of security
  • The health and safety legislation in aviation both in relation to own role and organisation, including how to monitor on-board aircrew
  • The requirements and importance of personal fitness and actions which must be taken if unfit for duty
  • The organisation’s safety management systems and safety culture
  • The purpose of the organisation including its vision, objectives and brand / organisational standards, how they compare to its competitors and how own role, and the team, help to achieve them
  • How to achieve customer satisfaction within their organisation and sphere of influence

  Skills

  • Ensure personal preparation and presentation standards are upheld in accordance with professional and organisational regulations and standards
  • Prepare and check/validate a flight plan
  • Establish the airworthiness and air readiness of the aircraft
  • Check and operate flight instruments and systems
  • Check and operate radar and radio aids
  • Check and operate aircraft propulsion systems
  • Check and operate navigation and communication equipment
  • Accurately report defective equipment
  • Collect information to aid decision making
  • Communicate clearly and professionally with ATC and airport ground staff
  • Handle the aircraft on the ground in accordance with relevant SOPs
  • Secure and seal the aircraft in accordance with company regulations and procedures
  • Close down aircraft engines, systems and equipment in accordance with regulations and procedures
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues, cabin crew, ground operational teams and customers at appropriate times to ensure service efficiency, safety and security
  • Implement agreed flight plan, making appropriate judgements to respond to en-route and terminal conditions
  • Maintain control, stability and safety during all stages of the flight, following airline SOPs
  • Manage and monitor automated systems
  • Monitor weather conditions during the flight and control the aircraft in response
  • Respond appropriately to all abnormal situations e.g. engine failure, disruptive passenger, forced landing, fire, decompression at altitude
  • Handle and control the aircraft in a smooth and safe manner when responding to abnormal situations
  • Release the aircraft in accordance with SOPs
  • Accurately record malfunctions, faults and maintenance requirements
  • Complete pre and post flight documentation
  • Supervise the refuelling of the aircraft
  • Consult with the Commander and inform crew members clearly what action is required in response to emergency situations
  • Ensure self and team monitor and apply the compliance, legislation, procedures and regulations commensurate to your role
  • Identify risks and non-compliance, ensuring corrective actions are taken or situations are escalated in accordance with organisation’s procedures
  • Monitor aviation security in own area of responsibility
  • Identify and address / report actual or potential hazards pre-flight, in-flight or post-flight as required
  • Record and report safety and security incidents, including self-reporting when required
  • Drive the team to maintain brand / organisational standards at all times, and identify and address any potential risks according to organisational procedures

  Behaviours

  • Be vigilant, alert and proactive in promoting a safe, reliable, secure and compliant working culture within the first officer role
  • Promote a customer focused culture within the aircraft and when representing the aircraft operator
  • Lead by example and command the operation of the aircraft and the team by communicating in a calm, decisive manner
  • Be visible and approachable, treating customers, colleagues and other stakeholders with courtesy and respect at all times
  • Work confidently using initiative and resilience to proble m solve and escalate when required as per your aircraft operator’s procedures
  • Display loyalty, integrity and accountability to the aircraft operator
  • Be commercially aware to deliver an agile, efficient and professional aviation service
  • Appreciate situational awareness in complex, three dimensional and fast moving aviation situations
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Transport and logistics
• Qualification level: 6; Equal to degree
• Course duration: 24 months
• Maximum funding: £27,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Pilot
  • First officer pilot

View more information about First officer pilot (level 6) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.