What makes a good First Officer?
08-02-2011, 12:00 PM
#23
Can't abide NAI
Joined APC: Jun 2007
Position: Douglas Aerospace post production Flight Test & Work Around Engineering bulletin dissembler
Posts: 12,049
There will be times when you get corrected, and it stings a little. Don't give excuses, don't say you were about to ..., just say
Thank You
Then forget about it. That way, the Captain will forget about it also. Nothing good comes from a distracting difference of opinion on the flight deck.
If you see a potential deviation from regulations, ask, "hey, wasn't our clearance to hold short of XXX ?"
If you see an immediate threat to the safety of flight, don't be afraid to speak up, or even act. If the Captain's smart (and most of them are) the response will be.
Then forget about it. That way, the Captain will forget about it also. Nothing good comes from a distracting difference of opinion on the flight deck.
If you see a potential deviation from regulations, ask, "hey, wasn't our clearance to hold short of XXX ?"
If you see an immediate threat to the safety of flight, don't be afraid to speak up, or even act. If the Captain's smart (and most of them are) the response will be.
Thank You
Other than that, treat people the way you want to be treated. Nuff said.
08-02-2011, 12:57 PM
#24
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: Seat 0B
Posts: 2,300
Ask questions to clarify anything that you don't understand.
Follow SOPs.
Brief the app/dp/star correctly citing all the important information.
When it's your leg and your landing, accept criticism (constructive ofcourse) as well as praise with an open mind and good attitude. Nothing worse than a know it all FO.
Stay on speed and on glide whether it's a visual, precision or non-precision approach. Visual approaches get goofed up a lot by some FOs.
Be a thinking pilot, aware and alert of what is going on, but knowing when and when not to speak.
Be a team player.
Be kind to those in your work environment.
Make all your call outs.
That's all I can think of now.....I'm at the lay over...might have more on the trip home. Its his leg!
Follow SOPs.
Brief the app/dp/star correctly citing all the important information.
When it's your leg and your landing, accept criticism (constructive ofcourse) as well as praise with an open mind and good attitude. Nothing worse than a know it all FO.
Stay on speed and on glide whether it's a visual, precision or non-precision approach. Visual approaches get goofed up a lot by some FOs.
Be a thinking pilot, aware and alert of what is going on, but knowing when and when not to speak.
Be a team player.
Be kind to those in your work environment.
Make all your call outs.
That's all I can think of now.....I'm at the lay over...might have more on the trip home. Its his leg!
08-02-2011, 01:03 PM
#25
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2008
Posts: 516
I don't believe in 'Captain's only' switches.....you can touch any switch, button, lever you want as long as you let me know what you're doing or why you're doing it. Communcation is key.
There's a fine art of telling somebody that they are screwing up but turning it into a question such that they think they thought of it to begin with....learn that art.
There's nothing better than an F/O who's already ahead of me. I love the guy who reads the MEL for something that's deferred and tells me about it before I even ask. If ATC gives me holding and I look over and see the F/O already pulling up ACARs ATIS for our alternate, I'm impressed. Don't just sit there passively, think about Captain's considerations....you'll be one sooner than you think.
I may make suggestions, but a good Captain won't tell you how to fly. There's a million ways to use the automation, and as long as your's is safe, I'm OK with it.....on the flip side, as long as I'm safe and within SOP, don't tell me how to fly either (you'd be amazed at how many who do)
As other's have said, if I do have to correct you, just say Thanks and move on. I'm just trying to keep us out of trouble. It's amazing how many guys want to argue or give excuses. I promise when you try to keep me out of trouble to say 'Thanks' as well (even if I do want to roll my eyes!)
I realize that I may not be around every second, but before you argue with/ yell at/ order around the gate agent/rampers/flight attendants/ATC, try to keep me in the loop, because when they go running to their supervisor, it's going to come back to me.
We don't have to 'Talk' every second of the trip. I've been married over 20 years and sometimes going on the road gives me a break from constant talkers.....silence can be golden, it doesn't mean I hate you.
On the flip side, when I'm spending money on you by picking up the bar tab, do me the courtesy of not texting or talking to you wife on the cellphone the entire time.
There's a fine art of telling somebody that they are screwing up but turning it into a question such that they think they thought of it to begin with....learn that art.
There's nothing better than an F/O who's already ahead of me. I love the guy who reads the MEL for something that's deferred and tells me about it before I even ask. If ATC gives me holding and I look over and see the F/O already pulling up ACARs ATIS for our alternate, I'm impressed. Don't just sit there passively, think about Captain's considerations....you'll be one sooner than you think.
I may make suggestions, but a good Captain won't tell you how to fly. There's a million ways to use the automation, and as long as your's is safe, I'm OK with it.....on the flip side, as long as I'm safe and within SOP, don't tell me how to fly either (you'd be amazed at how many who do)
As other's have said, if I do have to correct you, just say Thanks and move on. I'm just trying to keep us out of trouble. It's amazing how many guys want to argue or give excuses. I promise when you try to keep me out of trouble to say 'Thanks' as well (even if I do want to roll my eyes!)
I realize that I may not be around every second, but before you argue with/ yell at/ order around the gate agent/rampers/flight attendants/ATC, try to keep me in the loop, because when they go running to their supervisor, it's going to come back to me.
We don't have to 'Talk' every second of the trip. I've been married over 20 years and sometimes going on the road gives me a break from constant talkers.....silence can be golden, it doesn't mean I hate you.
On the flip side, when I'm spending money on you by picking up the bar tab, do me the courtesy of not texting or talking to you wife on the cellphone the entire time.
08-02-2011, 01:52 PM
#27
Eats shoots and leaves...
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Position: Didactic Synthetic Aviation Experience Provider
Posts: 849
Do you have a problem with my handkerchief tied around a stick? At least it reflects what most of us are earning now...
What if I did sleep in it the night before, do I get special dispensation?
Be well groomed and make sure your uniform does not look as if you slept in it the night before.
08-02-2011, 02:14 PM
#28
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2010
Position: Goodyear Blimp-roap jockey, CSIP, CFII, MEI
Posts: 224
I don't believe in 'Captain's only' switches.....you can touch any switch, button, lever you want as long as you let me know what you're doing or why you're doing it. Communcation is key.
There's a fine art of telling somebody that they are screwing up but turning it into a question such that they think they thought of it to begin with....learn that art.
There's nothing better than an F/O who's already ahead of me. I love the guy who reads the MEL for something that's deferred and tells me about it before I even ask. If ATC gives me holding and I look over and see the F/O already pulling up ACARs ATIS for our alternate, I'm impressed. Don't just sit there passively, think about Captain's considerations....you'll be one sooner than you think.
I may make suggestions, but a good Captain won't tell you how to fly. There's a million ways to use the automation, and as long as your's is safe, I'm OK with it.....on the flip side, as long as I'm safe and within SOP, don't tell me how to fly either (you'd be amazed at how many who do)
As other's have said, if I do have to correct you, just say Thanks and move on. I'm just trying to keep us out of trouble. It's amazing how many guys want to argue or give excuses. I promise when you try to keep me out of trouble to say 'Thanks' as well (even if I do want to roll my eyes!)
I realize that I may not be around every second, but before you argue with/ yell at/ order around the gate agent/rampers/flight attendants/ATC, try to keep me in the loop, because when they go running to their supervisor, it's going to come back to me.
We don't have to 'Talk' every second of the trip. I've been married over 20 years and sometimes going on the road gives me a break from constant talkers.....silence can be golden, it doesn't mean I hate you.
On the flip side, when I'm spending money on you by picking up the bar tab, do me the courtesy of not texting or talking to you wife on the cellphone the entire time.
There's a fine art of telling somebody that they are screwing up but turning it into a question such that they think they thought of it to begin with....learn that art.
There's nothing better than an F/O who's already ahead of me. I love the guy who reads the MEL for something that's deferred and tells me about it before I even ask. If ATC gives me holding and I look over and see the F/O already pulling up ACARs ATIS for our alternate, I'm impressed. Don't just sit there passively, think about Captain's considerations....you'll be one sooner than you think.
I may make suggestions, but a good Captain won't tell you how to fly. There's a million ways to use the automation, and as long as your's is safe, I'm OK with it.....on the flip side, as long as I'm safe and within SOP, don't tell me how to fly either (you'd be amazed at how many who do)
As other's have said, if I do have to correct you, just say Thanks and move on. I'm just trying to keep us out of trouble. It's amazing how many guys want to argue or give excuses. I promise when you try to keep me out of trouble to say 'Thanks' as well (even if I do want to roll my eyes!)
I realize that I may not be around every second, but before you argue with/ yell at/ order around the gate agent/rampers/flight attendants/ATC, try to keep me in the loop, because when they go running to their supervisor, it's going to come back to me.
We don't have to 'Talk' every second of the trip. I've been married over 20 years and sometimes going on the road gives me a break from constant talkers.....silence can be golden, it doesn't mean I hate you.
On the flip side, when I'm spending money on you by picking up the bar tab, do me the courtesy of not texting or talking to you wife on the cellphone the entire time.
GREAT POST! I appreciate your pointers. As a new FO learning the ropes, I appreciate a guy who can offer up any good advice. I just finished my first month off IOE, and I have to say that it has been good seeing what I like and don't like. I have flown with some CA's that are completely lazy and complain a lot, but I have flown with mostly good guys who are willing to offer up good pointers. So good on you sir.
08-02-2011, 02:49 PM
#29
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2010
Position: Sideways in a sim
Posts: 435
08-02-2011, 02:49 PM
#30
Rubber dogsh#t out of HKG
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: Senior Seat Cushion Tester Extraordinaire
Posts: 625
Don't walk on eggshells and speak up if you have a concern. If you're wrong about your concern and sincere, it's ok and a good Captain will understand. It's far better to speak up and be wrong than being right, but not say anything.
You probably will get paired with a jerk once in a blue moon. Realize that his behavior is his problem and don't take it personally.
And try not to be a slam-clicker. Many airlines have an unwritten tradition that the Captains buy all of your beer in your probation year!
You probably will get paired with a jerk once in a blue moon. Realize that his behavior is his problem and don't take it personally.
And try not to be a slam-clicker. Many airlines have an unwritten tradition that the Captains buy all of your beer in your probation year!
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