Flight engineer

A flight engineer is an aircraft pilot who is responsible for monitoring aircraft systems in flight, and also for inspecting the aircraft before and after each flight. Generally, the flight engineer sits behind the pilot and co-pilot, facing a side panel of gauges and indicators.

Modern airliners do not require flight engineers, although they are still found on older models such as the Boeing 747 (pre-400 series), Boeing 727, Lockheed L-1011, and McDonnell Douglas DC-10. Newer aircraft monitor systems automatically by computer, and report malfunctions directly to the two pilots in command.