What happened to the flight engineers?

The remaining professional flight engineers were forced to retire along with second officers who were over age 60. The remaining junior second officers were furloughed. While some were recalled after three years, most were laid off again. The average wait for recall to the airlines was about ten years.

When did planes stop having flight engineers?

Elimination. Starting in the 1980s, the development of powerful and small integrated circuits and other advances in computers and digital technology eliminated the need for flight engineers on airliners and many modern military aircraft.

What did a flight engineer do?

Flight engineers are a part of the flight crew. They check systems before flight, help develop flight plans, and continue to perform checks while the aircraft is in flight. Their focus is to ensure that there are no mechanical concerns, and they monitor the engines, mechanical systems and fuel levels during the flight.

What is a flight engineer in the Navy?

Flight engineers, sometimes called second officers, are technical experts who are thoroughly familiar with the operation and function of various airplane components. The principal function of the flight engineer is to assist the pilots in the operation of the airplane.

What is an Aeroplane engineer called?

In some companies you may be known as an aeronautical engineer. You’ll be concerned with improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed and weight, as well as reducing system costs and using developing technologies to meet customer needs. The role increasingly addresses the environmental impact of air travel.

Why did planes have flight engineers?

Answer: Flight engineers are responsible for operating the systems in older airplanes. Flight engineers were essential for the safe operation of airplanes in the past. Modern jets do not require the constant attention to systems, allowing the pilots to manage them.

What does a flight engineer do in the Navy?

Why did the 727 have a flight engineer?

The 727, like other early four and three-engined jets, also required a flight engineer to come along in the cockpit on each flight. A flight engineer (“air engineer” in the Royal Air Force) monitors the aircraft’s systems while in flight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gpyU8EIEcc