Second Officer Science & Engineering Technicians
SaveWhat Does a Second Officer Do?
Second officers are responsible for monitoring and controlling various aircraft systems including fixed-wing and rotary wing. They work in close coordination with the two pilots during all phases of flight. They make pre-flight, inflight, and post flight inspections, adjustments, and minor repairs. They verify parameters such as passenger and cargo distribution, the amount of fuel, aircraft performance, and appropriate engine speed according to instructions of pilots.
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Where Do I Start?
Airport Planning
Know airport planning for different types of aircrafts; use that information to mobilise resources and people in order to handle the aircrafts while they are in the airport.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Second Officer
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialAirport Planning knowledge
Know airport planning for different types of aircrafts; use that information to mobilise resources and people in order to handle the aircrafts while they are in the airport.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialCommon Aviation Safety Regulations knowledge
The body of legislation and regulations that apply to the field of civil aviation at regional, national, European and International levels. Understand that regulations aimed at protecting citizens at all …
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialAircraft Flight Control Systems knowledge
Know the setting, features and operation of aircraft flight control systems. Manage flight control surfaces, cockpit controls, connections, and operating mechanisms required to control the flight direction of an aircraft. …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAviation Meteorology knowledge
Understand aviation meteorology to deal with the impact of weather on air traffic management (ATM). Understand how thorough changes in pressure and temperature values at airports can create variations in …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAir Transport Law knowledge
Know air transport laws and regulations. Due to the nature of aviation, knowledge of air transport laws partially overlaps with knowledge of international law.
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EssentialElectrical Systems Used In Transportation knowledge
Understand the functioning of electrical systems, their specifications, and application in operations and systems for the transportation of freight and people.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialAirport Safety Regulations knowledge
Know airport safety regulations and instructions.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialElectronics knowledge
The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialGeographic Areas knowledge
Know the geographic area in detail; know where different organisations carry out operations.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialCarry Out Navigational Calculations skill
Solve mathematical problems to achieve safe navigation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialComply With Checklists skill
Follow checklists and ensure compliance with all the items included in them.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDeal With Challenging Work Conditions skill
Deal with challenging circumstances in which to perform work, such as night work, shift work, and atypical working conditions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Aircraft Compliance With Regulation skill
Ensure that every aircraft complies with applicable regulation and all components and equipment have officially valid components.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Ongoing Compliance With Regulations skill
Conduct tasks and procedures to ensure that aviation certificates maintain their validity; undertake safeguarding measures as appropriate.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Public Safety And Security skill
Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow Verbal Instructions skill
Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialHandle Stressful Situations skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Cockpit Control Panels skill
Operates control panels in the cockpit or flight deck according to the needs of the flight. Manage on-board electronic systems to ensure a smooth flight.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Routine Flight Operations Checks skill
Perform checks before and during flight: conduct pre-flight and in-flight inspections of aircraft performance, route and fuel usage, runway availability, airspace restrictions, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPossess Visual Literacy skill
Interpret charts, maps, graphics, and other pictorial presentations used in place of the written word. The graphics used vary from process to process; therefore, the professional must have sufficient knowledge …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRead 3D Displays skill
Read 3D-displays and understand the information they provide on positions, distances, and other parameters.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Meteorological Information skill
Use and interpret meteorological information for operations dependent on climatic conditions. Use this information to provide advise on safe operations in relation to weather conditions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAddress Aircraft Mechanical Issues skill
Identify and resolve mechanical issues which arise during flight; identify malfunctions in fuel gauges, pressure indicators and other electrical, mechanical or hydraulic components.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialComprehensively Inspect Aircraft skill
Conduct inspections of aircraft and aircraft components, namely their parts, appliances, and equipment, to identify malfunctions such as fuel leaks or flaws in electrical and pressurisation systems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Compliance With Airport Security Measures skill
Ensure compliance with airport security measures prior to the boarding of planes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Smooth On Board Operations skill
Ensure the trip goes smoothly and without incidents. Before departure review if all security, catering, navigation and communication elements are in place.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Aircraft Maintenance skill
Carry out inspection and maintenance on aircraft parts according to the maintenance procedures and documentation, and perform repair work to remedy functional and deterioration problems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUndertake Procedures To Meet Aircraft Flight Requirements skill
Ensure that operation certificates are valid, guarantee that take-off mass is a maximum of 3,175 kg, verify that the minimum crew is adequate according to regulations and needs, ensure that …
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 8 displayed)
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OptionalGeostationary Satellites knowledge
Know about geostationary satellites and how they function; moving in the same direction as rotation of the Earth. Understand how they are used for telecommunication and commercial purposes.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalLaunching Of Satellites Into Orbit knowledge
Know about the different procedures, phases, and requirements for launching satellites into orbit.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalApply Airport Standards And Regulations skill
Know and apply the accepted standards and regulations for European airports. Apply knowledge to enforce airport rules, regulations, and the Airport Safety Plan.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConsider Economic Criteria In Decision Making skill
Develop proposals and take appropriate decisions taking into account economic criteria.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalHave Computer Literacy skill
Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMake Independent Operating Decisions skill
Make immediate operating decisions as necessary without reference to others, taking into account the circumstances and any relevant procedures and legislation. Determine alone which option is the best for a …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRespond To Changing Navigation Circumstances skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUndertake Procedures To Meet Helicopter Flight Requirements skill
Ensure that operation certificates are valid, guarantee that take-off mass is a maximum of 3,175 kg, verify that the minimum crew is adequate according to regulations and needs, ensure that …
Course recommendations coming soon.