If you’re curious about a career in aviation, you may have wondered: what is a first officer pilot? This role is essential in commercial aviation and is often the first step toward becoming an airline captain.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a first officer pilot is, what they do, and why this position is a critical part of any airline crew.
A First Officer (FO), sometimes called a co-pilot, is the second-in-command on an aircraft. The First Officer assists the captain in operating the airplane, handling navigation, communication, and systems management.
So, when people ask “what is a first officer pilot?”The answer is simple: it is a professional pilot who can fly the aircraft safely and efficiently together with the captain.
A First Officer pilot has many important duties, including:
1. Assisting the Captain – Sharing flight control responsibilities and helping with decisions during all phases of flight.
2. Navigation & Communication – Communicating with air traffic control, monitoring instruments, and managing the flight plan.
3. Systems Monitoring – Checking aircraft systems, fuel, and engine performance.
4. Safety & Procedures – Ensuring all airline and aviation regulations are followed.
5. Decision making– Acting as the second in command to the captain in case of emergencies or technical issues.
6. Flying the aircraft – both the captain and the first officer fly and monitor the aircraft and systems. Both can act as pilot monitoring and pilot flying.
Most First Officers begin their careers after completing:
-A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings (ME/IR)
-Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) theory — often held as a frozen ATPL until enough experience is gained
-Flight hours that meet airline minimums
At OSM Flight Academy, our Airline Ready® Program prepares students for this career by offering both EASA and FAA CPL (ME/IR) with frozen ATPL, so graduates are fully prepared to join airlines as First Officers worldwide.
-First Officer: Second-in-command, either pilot monitoring or pilot flying
-Captain: The pilot in command, ultimately responsible for the flight, and either pilot monitoring or pilot flying
All pilots start as First Officers to gain the flight experience required to upgrade to captain.
The First Officer is crucial for flight safety, workload management, and decision-making. Modern airlines operate under a two-pilot flightdeck system, meaning both the captain and First Officer share responsibilities to ensure every flight is safe and efficient.
For aspiring pilots, becoming a First Officer is often the first step toward a rewarding airline career.
So, what is a First Officer?
A First Officer is a trained, licensed pilot who works alongside the captain to operate commercial aircraft. This role is the gateway to becoming a captain and is a critical part of every airline’s operation.
At OSM Aviation Academy, our Airline Ready Program gives you the dual EASA & FAA CPL with frozen ATPL, preparing you to start your career as a First Officer.
