First officer pilot

This is not the latest approved version of this apprenticeship. View the latest version

This apprenticeship has been retired

Overview of the role

Support aircraft captains and commanders during flights.

Details of standard

Occupation summary

The first officer, also known as co-pilot, works in a variety of aircraft e.g. commercial, military, passenger or freight. The role of the first officer is to support the aircraft Commander and to assist her/him in the safe and efficient conduct of the flight. In the event of the incapacitation of the Commander, the First Officer will assume the authority and responsibility for the aircraft and its crew, passengers and load. During normal operations, the Commander and the First Officer will alternate in performing the roles of ‘pilot handling’ and ‘pilot monitoring’. In these situations, the ‘pilot monitoring’ will conduct radio communications and monitor the duties of the ‘pilot handling’. At all times they are to ensure the safety and security of the passengers and crew. Apprentices will need to achieve either a frozen Air Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) or a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence followed by Aircraft Type Conversion Training and supervised Line Training prior to taking an end-point assessment

First officers are responsible to their employers for ensuring the safety and efficiency of every flight by

Being fully aware of the planned route, contents of briefing sheets, the forecast meteorological conditions and runway states at the destination and alternate aerodromes
Supporting the Commander in the maintenance of high standards of crew discipline and conduct
Monitoring all aspects of the flight, checking that correct procedures and techniques are used, cross-checking all flight instrument indications, especially attitude, altitude / height, speed and heading and volunteering advice, information and assistance to the Commander, to contribute favourably to the safe and efficient conduct of the flight
Complying with UK ANO (Air Navigation Order) and the UK AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication)
Complying with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) Ops regulations
Complying with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards and recommended practices
Confirming the aircraft is following its planned navigation route and maintaining a safe terrain clearance
Complying with all flight time limitations, company occurrence reporting and rest requirements applicable to their activities
Reporting to the Commander any incident or defect that could endanger the safe operation of the aircraft
During any emergency or abnormal situation, carrying out the drills and procedures as laid down in the appropriate Company Manual

Typical job titles include:

First officer pilot Pilot

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements including the requirement for security clearance. A class 1 medical certificate will be required under EASA/CAA regulations. Apprentices must be at least 18 years old in order to apply for a multi-crew pilot licence and at least 21 years old in order to apply for an Air Transport Pilot Licence

Occupation duties

Duty	KSBs
Duty 1 Be fully aware of the planned route, contents of briefing sheets, the forecast meteorological conditions and runway states at the destination and alternate aerodromes	K3 K4 K11 K15 S2 S5 S15 S18 B1
Duty 2 Support the Commander in the maintenance of high standards of crew discipline and conduct	K2 K16 K23 K24 K25 K26 K28 K30 K31 K32 K33 S1 S10 S14 S25 S26 S27 S28 S30 S31 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6
Duty 3 Monitor all aspects of the flight, checking that correct procedures and techniques are used, cross-checking all flight instrument indications, especially attitude, altitude / height, speed and heading and volunteering advice, information and assistance to the Commander, to contribute favourably to the safe and efficient conduct of the flight	K1 K3 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K18 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K29 K30 K32 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S20 S25 S26 S27 S28 S29 S30 S31 B1 B3 B5 B6 B7 B8
Duty 4 Comply with UK ANO (Air Navigation Order) and the UK AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication)	K1 K2 K5 K6 K10 K12 K15 K16 K17 K19 K20 K21 K23 K24 K27 K28 K29 K30 K31 K32 S1 S2 S3 S10 S12 S14 S19 S21 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 S27 S28 S29 S30 B5 B6 B7
Duty 5 Comply with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) Ops regulations	K1 K2 K5 K6 K10 K12 K15 K16 K17 K19 K20 K21 K23 K25 K27 K28 K29 K30 K31 K32 S1 S2 S3 S10 S12 S14 S19 S21 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 S27 S28 S29 S30 B5 B6 B7
Duty 6 Comply with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards and recommended practices	K1 K2 K5 K6 K10 K12 K15 K16 K17 K19 K20 K21 K23 K26 K27 K28 K29 K30 K31 K32 S1 S2 S3 S10 S12 S14 S19 S21 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 S27 S28 S29 S30 B5 B6 B7
Duty 7 Confirming the aircraft is following its planned navigation route and maintaining a safe terrain clearance	K3 K11 K12 K14 K15 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S20 S26 S27 B1 B5 B8
Duty 8 Complying with all flight time limitations, company occurrence reporting and rest requirements applicable to their activities	K2 K19 K23 K24 K25 K26 K30 K31 K32 S1 S14 S22 S26 S27 S29 S30 B1 B3 B5
Duty 9 Reporting to the Commander any incident or defect that could endanger the safe operation of the aircraft	K16 K19 K23 K29 K31 K32 S3 S8 S14 S16 S19 S22 S25 S26 S27 S29 S30 B1 B3 B5 B8
Duty 10 During any emergency or abnormal situation, carrying out the drills and procedures as laid down in the appropriate Company Manual	K16 K19 K29 K31 K32 S8 S14 S19 S20 S25 S27 S29 B1 B3 B5 B8

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) license and instrument rating requirements for the aircraft and role Back to Duty

K2: The standards required for personal presentation and fitness for duty within their organisation (including uniform standard) Back to Duty

K3: How to implement pre-flight planning and respond to en-route and terminal conditions Back to Duty

K4: How to prepare a new flight plan or retrieve an existing flight plan Back to Duty

K5: Know and understand the checks necessary to establish pre-flight airworthiness and air-readiness Back to Duty

K6: How to liaise effectively with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and airport ground staff Back to Duty

K7: The procedure for checking flight instruments and operating automatic flight control systems Back to Duty

K8: The procedure for checking and operating aircraft propulsion units, systems and controls Back to Duty

K9: The procedure for checking and operating navigation equipment, radio aids, surveillance equipment and radar appropriate to the flight Back to Duty

K10: How to carry out start procedures and comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during site manoeuvring Back to Duty

K11: The organisations service routines for the specific flight/route/sector Back to Duty

K12: The airline SOPs and how to maintain control, smoothly and safely during all stages of flight Back to Duty

K13: Automated systems affecting flight control and navigation Back to Duty

K14: 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 Back to Duty

K15: How to evaluate, respond to and manage abnormal situations Back to Duty

K16: The organisations procedures for releasing the aircraft Back to Duty

K17: The organisations procedures to be carried out after the last flight of the day Back to Duty

K18: The procedures for recording and reporting malfunctions and faults Back to Duty

K19: Aviation procedures and practices required for the completion of aircraft and safety documentation Back to Duty

K20: The refuelling procedures for the aircraft type Back to Duty

K21: Know the limitations and performance of the aircraft as laid down in the relevant Flight Manual and/or Operations Manual Back to Duty

K22: 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 Back to Duty

K23: The UK ANO (Air Navigation Order) and the UK AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication) Back to Duty

K24: The EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) Ops regulations Back to Duty

K25: Know and understand the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards and recommended practices Back to Duty

K26: Know and understand the importance of Regulatory line checks and License Proficiency Checks Back to Duty

K27: How to maintain the security of aircraft, crew and payload Back to Duty

K28: Requirements for maintaining aviation security in own area of authority and action to take in the event of a breach of security Back to Duty

K29: The health and safety legislation in aviation both in relation to own role and organisation, including how to monitor on-board aircrew Back to Duty

K30: The requirements and importance of personal fitness and actions which must be taken if unfit for duty Back to Duty

K31: The organisation’s safety management systems and safety culture Back to Duty

K32: 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 Back to Duty

K33: How to achieve customer satisfaction within their organisation and sphere of influence Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Ensure personal preparation and presentation standards are upheld in accordance with professional and organisational regulations and standards Back to Duty

S2: Prepare and check/validate a flight plan Back to Duty

S3: Establish the airworthiness and air readiness of the aircraft Back to Duty

S4: Check and operate flight instruments and systems Back to Duty

S5: Check and operate radar and radio aids Back to Duty

S6: Check and operate aircraft propulsion systems Back to Duty

S7: Check and operate navigation and communication equipment Back to Duty

S8: Accurately report defective equipment Back to Duty

S9: Collect information to aid decision making Back to Duty

S10: Communicate clearly and professionally with ATC and airport ground staff Back to Duty

S11: Handle the aircraft on the ground in accordance with relevant SOPs Back to Duty

S12: Secure and seal the aircraft in accordance with company regulations and procedures Back to Duty

S13: Close down aircraft engines, systems and equipment in accordance with regulations and procedures Back to Duty

S14: Communicate effectively with colleagues, cabin crew, ground operational teams and customers at appropriate times to ensure service efficiency, safety and security Back to Duty

S15: Implement agreed flight plan, making appropriate judgements to respond to en-route and terminal conditions Back to Duty

S16: Maintain control, stability and safety during all stages of the flight, following airline SOPs Back to Duty

S17: Manage and monitor automated systems Back to Duty

S18: Monitor weather conditions during the flight and control the aircraft in response Back to Duty

S19: Respond appropriately to all abnormal situations e.g. engine failure, disruptive passenger, forced landing, fire, decompression at altitude Back to Duty

S20: Handle and control the aircraft in a smooth and safe manner when responding to abnormal situations Back to Duty

S21: Release the aircraft in accordance with SOPs Back to Duty

S22: Accurately record malfunctions, faults and maintenance requirements Back to Duty

S23: Complete pre and post flight documentation Back to Duty

S24: Supervise the refuelling of the aircraft Back to Duty

S25: Consult with the Commander and inform crew members clearly what action is required in response to emergency situations Back to Duty

S26: Ensure self and team monitor and apply the compliance, legislation, procedures and regulations commensurate to your role Back to Duty

S27: Identify risks and non-compliance, ensuring corrective actions are taken or situations are escalated in accordance with organisation’s procedures Back to Duty

S28: Monitor aviation security in own area of responsibility Back to Duty

S29: Identify and address / report actual or potential hazards pre-flight, in-flight or post-flight as required Back to Duty

S30: Record and report safety and security incidents, including self-reporting when required Back to Duty

S31: Drive the team to maintain brand / organisational standards at all times, and identify and address any potential risks according to organisational procedures Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Be vigilant, alert and proactive in promoting a safe, reliable, secure and compliant working culture within the first officer role Back to Duty

B2: Promote a customer focused culture within the aircraft and when representing the aircraft operator Back to Duty

B3: Lead by example and command the operation of the aircraft and the team by communicating in a calm, decisive manner Back to Duty

B4: Be visible and approachable, treating customers, colleagues and other stakeholders with courtesy and respect at all times Back to Duty

B5: Work confidently using initiative and resilience to proble m solve and escalate when required as per your aircraft operator’s procedures Back to Duty

B6: Display loyalty, integrity and accountability to the aircraft operator Back to Duty

B7: Be commercially aware to deliver an agile, efficient and professional aviation service Back to Duty

B8: Appreciate situational awareness in complex, three dimensional and fast moving aviation situations Back to Duty

Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Additional details

Occupational Level:

Duration (months):

Review

this apprenticeship will be reviewed in accordance with our change request policy.

End-point assessment (EPA plan)

Rigorous robust and independent assessment undertaken by an apprentice at the end of training to test that the apprentice can perform in the occupation they have been trained in and can demonstrate the duties, and knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) set out in the occupational standard

End-point assessment organisation (EPAO)

An organisation approved to deliver end-point assessment for a particular apprenticeship standard. EPAOs must be on the register of end-point assessment organisations

Holistic or synoptic

Assessment of an apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours in an integrated way i.e. assessing several KSBs at the same time

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSB)

What is needed to competently undertake the duties required for an occupational standard

Valid

Referred to in relation to assessment methods; fit for purpose

Change request policy

Most changes to an apprenticeship are made as a result of a holistic review of it. We prioritise the need for such reviews based on a range of factors. These include:

the time since the apprenticeship was developed or last reviewed (taking account of its typical duration)
the existence of any known problems with it (e.g. lower than expected starts, low achievement rate, high withdrawal rate, any issues with the availability of training or end-point assessment provision)
whether the apprenticeship is currently subject to a dispensation
the relative significance of the apprenticeship based on how many users it has

The availability of an employer group to support a review and its potential impact on any related technical education product also inform the timing of a review.

Details of apprenticeships that are currently being revised or adjusted are available in our revisions and adjustments status report.

Status: Retired

Level: 6

Degree: non-degree qualification

Reference: ST0523

Version: 1.0

Date updated: 01/07/2024

Route: Transport and logistics

Typical duration to gateway: 24 months (this does not include EPA period)

Maximum funding: £27000

LARS Code: 410

EQA Provider: Ofqual

First officer pilot assessment plan v1.0 (retired)

File size: 317.8 KB

Employers involved in creating the standard: TUI, Royal Air Force, Virgin Atlantic, Flybe, Thomas Cook, British Airways, Easy Jet, DHL Air, Air Mid-West, Air Harrods

Print the occupational standard (including PDF)

Version log

Version	Change detail	Earliest start date	Latest start date
1.1	Occupational standard and end-point assessment plan revised	01/07/2024	Not set
1.0	Approved for delivery	18/02/2019	30/06/2024

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