First Officer / Co-Pilot
Position Summary and Purpose
The First Officer provides crucial support to the Aircraft Captain, ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely piloting of the aircraft. This role is instrumental in performing essential flight management duties, strictly adhering to Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and stringent Company operational policies and procedures.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The successful First Officer candidate is expected to perform the following core functions consistently and satisfactorily:
- Collaborate with the Captain to execute comprehensive flight planning, utilizing all applicable weather and operational reports in strict compliance with Company guidelines and FARs.
- Verify and confirm the airworthiness of the assigned aircraft by conducting thorough preflight inspections in accordance with FARs and established Company protocols.
- Ensure proper flight preparation, including precise fuel load determination, guaranteeing the safe conduct of the flight according to regulatory and internal standards.
- Safely and effectively operate the aircraft during designated duty periods under the Captain's command, maintaining full compliance with FARs and Company procedures.
- Maintain an expert-level working knowledge of the specific aircraft equipment operated, relevant FARs governing flight operations, and all associated manuals, policies, and procedures.
- Proactively inform crew members and passengers regarding anticipated turbulent weather conditions or any other operational factors that may impact flight comfort or safety.
- Accurately complete the load manifest documentation for every flight segment.
- Contribute significantly to maintaining a reliable and on-time operation by assisting the Captain in adhering to all reporting times, scheduled departure times, and minimum turn-around intervals.
- Provide assistance at the terminal, ensuring the proper and secure handling of the aircraft, passengers, baggage, and cargo.
- Uphold professional appearance and conduct by strictly adhering to the Company uniform dress code and observing all Rules of Conduct as outlined in the Flight Operations Manual and Associate Handbook.
- Commit to continuous professional training to elevate performance levels and expand operational abilities.
- Maintain regular and reliable attendance as required by Company policies.
- Perform additional duties as delegated by the Aircraft Captain or Company management.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Candidates must possess the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary to proficiently execute the responsibilities of this role:
Education and Experience
- A High School diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate is required.
- Candidates must satisfy the minimum requirements for obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate or a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (RATP) certificate.
- Possession of the ATP written exam certification is highly preferred.
- Candidates must meet the current age and flight hour minimums for interview and hiring established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Company.
- Candidates interviewed below the hiring minimums may be considered for hire upon successful completion of the interview process, provided they meet the Hiring Minimums within six months of the interview date, maintain a clean certificate history (no certificate action since the interview date), have no subsequent misdemeanors or felonies, and accept a class date within six months of the interview date.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Previous customer service experience, ideally within a dynamic aviation environment.
Language Skills
The First Officer must possess the ability to read, analyze, interpret, and rapidly comprehend complex technical procedures and governmental regulations, especially under stressful or emergency conditions. The role requires effective communication skills to present information and respond clearly to management, dispatch personnel, crew members, passengers, Air Traffic Control (ATC), and the general public. Proficiency in speaking and being clearly understood in English, including the effective delivery of shouted verbal commands during critical emergency situations, is mandatory.
Reasoning and Problem Solving Ability
A successful candidate demonstrates the capacity to resolve practical problems and navigate situations involving various concrete variables where limited standardization exists. The First Officer must be capable of interpreting complex and multiple instructions presented in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule formats. Critical requirements include maintaining composure, thinking clearly, and reacting swiftly and appropriately during all types of emergency scenarios, including, but not limited to: medical emergencies, aircraft decompression, emergency evacuations, fires, security threats, passenger disturbances, and turbulence.
Decision Making and Impact of Errors
The First Officer makes decisions that directly support the strategic direction of flight operations. While routine decisions are typically medium-range and of moderate significance, circumstances may arise requiring significant, safety-of-flight critical decisions. Inaccurate decisions could necessitate substantial resource expenditure and, more critically, jeopardize flight safety. The applicant must be able to process information quickly, maintain emotional control, and react positively and appropriately under high-stress conditions.
Physical Demands
To successfully perform the essential functions of this role, the First Officer must meet the following physical standards:
- Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, squat, and crawl as required.
- Capability to sit for extended periods without standing.
- Ability to lift or maneuver items weighing up to 75 pounds at varying heights.
- Compliance with the visual acuity demands set forth in FAA medical standards.
- Clear hearing ability for verbal communications in person, via telephone, and over a headset amidst ambient aircraft and passenger noise.
- Possession of the stamina required for long duty days, sequential workdays, and frequent transitions across different temperatures, climates, and weather conditions.
- Must be able to move freely, effectively, and rapidly within the confined aircraft environment to perform all required functions.
- Must be able to occupy the pilot's seat or assigned jump seat securely with seatbelt and shoulder harness fastened without requiring physical modifications.
Work Environment
The work environment involves dynamic operational settings:
- Exposure to moving mechanical parts is routine.
- Ability to tolerate outdoor weather conditions for prolonged periods on the flight line and within open-air hangars.
- The environment is characterized by loud noise levels, necessitating the consistent use of a headset.
- Willingness and capability to work extended duty periods on sequential days, including varied schedules that encompass early mornings, nights, overnights, and weekends.
Travel Requirements
This position requires up to 100% travel, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended overnight stays. The First Officer must be able to work extended hours with limited scheduling control and be prepared to report for duty with minimal advance notice. Geographic relocation may be required based on the Company's operational needs.
The Company
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Republic Airways stands as one of the largest regional airlines in North America. We proudly operate a modern fleet of over 200 Embraer 170/175 aircraft, facilitating approximately 900 scheduled passenger flights daily to more than 80 cities across the U.S. and Canada.
For five decades, Republic Airways has continuously championed innovation and operational excellence. Our success is powered by over 6,000 dedicated Associates whose unrivaled work ethic distinguishes us in the industry. As the aviation sector experiences significant growth and untapped potential, it is an exciting time to join our team. Whether in a corporate role or on the flight deck, career opportunities are elevated at Republic Airways.
Republic Airways cultivates a culture defined by trust, respect, care, and enjoyment. We firmly believe that our people and the passion they invest in their work set us apart. We are committed to encouraging, supporting, and investing in our Associates both professionally and personally. Our Vision, Mission, Culture Statement, and Guiding Principles are actively practiced and integrated into our operations every day.
Republic Airways is an Equal Opportunity Employer, embracing Disability and Veteran Accommodations. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.