First Officer
Position Purpose:
The First Officer plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft. This individual supports the Captain by providing expert piloting skills, adhering to strict safety regulations, and diligently managing various aircraft-related duties.
Essential Duties:
- Collaborates with the Captain to meticulously plan each flight, incorporating comprehensive weather data, company procedures, and Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).
- Conducts thorough preflight inspections to verify the aircraft's airworthiness, strictly adhering to FARs and company protocols.
- Collaborates with the Captain to ensure optimal flight planning and fuel management, prioritizing safety and adherence to regulations.
- Operates the aircraft safely, proficiently, and effectively during designated duty periods, meticulously following the Captain's instructions, FARs, and company procedures.
- Maintains comprehensive knowledge of aircraft systems, relevant FARs, operational manuals, company policies, and all applicable instructions.
- Keeps the crew and passengers informed about turbulent weather conditions or any operational factors that may impact the flight.
- Diligently completes the load manifest for each flight, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Contributes to a dependable and punctual operation by assisting the Captain in meeting all report times, departure times, and minimum turn times.
- Provides assistance and ensures the proper handling of aircraft, passengers, baggage, and cargo while at the terminal.
- Maintains a commendable attendance record in accordance with company procedures and practices.
- Projects a professional image by adhering to the company's uniform dress code.
- Conducts oneself with the utmost professionalism while on duty, strictly observing the Rules of Conduct outlined in the Flight Operations Manual, Associate Handbook, and other relevant policies.
- Actively pursues continuous professional training to enhance performance and expand skillset.
- Performs additional duties as assigned by the company and the Captain.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Education and/or Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- Meets the minimum requirements for an ATP or RATP certificate.
- ATP written exam completion preferred.
- Satisfies current interview and hiring minimum age and flight hour requirements established by the FAA and the company.
Preferred Education and/or Experience:
- Previous customer service experience, preferably within the aviation industry.
Language Skills:
- Possesses exceptional ability to read, analyze, interpret, and comprehend technical procedures and governmental regulations, often under time constraints or stressful situations.
- Communicates effectively and professionally with management, dispatch, crew members, passengers, air traffic control, and the general public.
- Fluent in English, including the ability to clearly articulate shouted commands during emergency situations.
Reasoning/Problem Solving Ability:
- Demonstrates proficiency in solving practical problems and navigating diverse situations with limited standardization.
- Effectively interprets and executes multiple instructions delivered in various formats, including written, oral, diagrammatic, and scheduled.
- Remains calm, analytical, and responsive under pressure, exhibiting sound judgment in all types of emergencies (medical, decompression, evacuations, fires, security threats, passenger disturbances, turbulence, etc.).
Decision Making & Impact of Errors:
- Makes strategic decisions to support overall company objectives. Decisions typically involve moderate risk and consequences but may escalate to impact flight safety in unusual circumstances.
- Recognizes the potential financial and safety implications of unsound decisions.
- Processes information rapidly and reacts positively to unexpected or critical situations.
- Demonstrates exceptional composure under duress, effectively managing personal and emotional responses.
Physical Demands:
- Physically capable of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, and crawling.
- Able to remain seated for extended periods.
- Capable of lifting and maneuvering objects weighing up to 75 pounds at various heights.
- Meets the visual acuity standards mandated by FAA medical regulations.
- Possesses excellent auditory capabilities, clearly understanding verbal communication in person, on the telephone, and through a headset amidst ambient aircraft and passenger noise.
- Exhibits the stamina required for long workdays, consecutive duty periods, and frequent exposure to fluctuating temperatures, climates, and weather conditions.
- Moves freely and efficiently within the confined environment of the aircraft, performing all required functions promptly.
- Able to comfortably occupy the pilot's seat or assigned jump seat while wearing a seatbelt and shoulder harness, without requiring modifications.
Work Environment:
- The First Officer position involves working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts.
- Requires the ability to withstand outdoor weather conditions for extended durations, both within open air hangars and on the flight line.
- The work environment can be noisy, necessitating the use of a headset.
- Involves a demanding schedule with extended duty periods, often on consecutive days, and includes early mornings, nights, overnights, and weekends.
Travel Requirements:
- Extensive travel is inherent to this role, reaching up to 100% of the time. This includes travel on nights, weekends, and holidays, with frequent overnight stays.
- The First Officer must be adaptable to extended working hours with limited scheduling control and be prepared to report to work on short notice.
- Relocation may be required based on the company's operational needs.