Introduction

If​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you want to work as a pilot in Canada, positions of first officers are available at regional airlines, major carriers, and charter operators throughout the country. In response to the growing demand for air travel, the whole aviation industry is expanding, which means that there are a great number of openings for newly qualified first officers. Moreover, Canada still remains the country where both new pilots with little flight time and experienced aviators can have a bright and safe career.

This guide provides you with a full, clear, and concise understanding of a job of a first officer. The topics covered are the duties, the skills, the qualifications, the salary, and the progression in the career. The language used is simple, making it very easy for any applicant to understand.

What Is a First Officer?

The first officer, the one who follows the captain in hierarchy, is the pilot who helps and accompanies the captain in all aspects of the flight. They share the flying duties, check the systems, talk to ATC, and generally, they make sure the trip is safe and comfortable.

In most cases, companies assign their first officers to fly on domestic and international routes, depending on the kind of operation. Since their role is indispensable in the daily flight operation, first officers are considered as the primary holders of entry positions for the aviation career in Canada.

Firstly, if you want to be a pilot in Canada, the most common way to start is a first ​‍​‌‍​‍‌officer

Job​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Summary: First Officer

The first officer supports the Captain in the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft. The activities involve the performance of pre-flight check, driving the aircraft during takeoff and landing, observing the systems, and managing the communication. In addition, they have to comply with the company policies, SOPs, and Transport Canada regulations all the time.

The position is filled with a candidate who has a sound technical knowledge, good communication skills, and can come up with the right decision quickly and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌accurately.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Flight Duties

First officers are required to ensure the aircraft is in working condition before every flight.

• Study flight plans
• Investigate weather forecasts
• Carry out a walk-around inspection on the aircraft
• Navigation and communication systems verification
• Fuel levels and weight & balance checking
• Conferring safety issues with the Captain

The accomplishment of each of these duties sets off the airplane assuredly prepared for takeoff.

Flying the Aircraft

First officers alongside the Captains share the control of the flight.

• Check engine performance
• Support the takeoff and landing procedure
• Operate autopilot functions
• Record navigation and flight data
• Comply with ATC instructions
• Keep up with the situation and safety

Pilots usually perform most of their flights through a “Pilot Flying” and “Pilot Monitoring” system, in which the tasks interchanges.

Safety Duties

A first officer has an obligation to the Captain to help uphold and reinforce safety during the entire journey.

• Implement safety checklists
• Observe safety in the cabin
• Manage abnormal or emergency scenarios
• Help in communication with the cabin crew
• Comply with Transport Canada regulations

Safety is always the prime concern of every single airline in Canada.

Post-Flight Tasks

First officers after a landing should:

• Fill in flight logs
• Indicate maintenance defects
• Convey issues to the ground staff
• Looking over the aircraft performance for the upcoming flight

Efficiency in documentation is a fundamental element of aviation operations.

Qualifications Needed for a Pilot Job in Canada

To get a first officer position, pilots should satisfy certain certification criteria that Transport Canada stipulates.

Minimum Requirements

These requirements establish the baseline for most regional airlines and charter operators:

• Canadian Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by Transport Canada.
• Multi-Engine Rating (MER)
• Instrument Rating (IR)
• Category 1 Medical Certificate
• Good English communication skills
• Legally allowed to work in Canada

Preferred Qualifications

Some employers identify value in the pilot’s extra training skills:

• ATPL (or ATPL exams completed)
• Aviation diploma or degree
• Experience with Turbine or jet
• Familiarity with glass cockpit
• Crew Resource Management (CRM) Training-

Such qualifications will help you be hired in no ​‍​‌‍​‍‌time.

Skills Needed for a First Officer Job in Canada

Airlines look for both technical and interpersonal skills.

Technical​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Skills

• Detailed knowledge of Canadian airspace
• Very good knowledge of aircraft systems
• Good at using navigation and instrument
• Capable of understanding aviation weather
• Knowledgeable about Transport Canada regulations

Soft Skills

• Communication skills of the highest standard
• Being able to keep your head when things get tough
• Having excellent teamwork skills
• Ability to solve problems
• Good at making decisions
• Being a professional

First officers use these skills to be able to work efficiently with Captains, cabin crew, and dispatch ​‍​‌‍​‍‌teams.

Work​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Environment

A pilot job in Canada for a domestic or international airline can mean different work environments for each company.

Regional Airlines

Shorter routes between Canadian cities are where you may operate the plane. Common aircraft: Dash 8, Q400, CRJ, ATR.

Work environment/activity-schedule may include:

• Fast turnarounds
• Multiple flights daily
• Mostly domestic flying

Charter & MedEvac Operations

These positions can be a perfect solution to gain a great amount of hours for a pilot with low flight experience.

By charters & MedEvac you may fly:

• Remote communities
• Northern routes
• Medical evacuation missions

The work side can be very tough but also gives you the opportunity to feel very satisfied and accomplished.

Major Airlines

These pilots operate national and international flights.

Aircraft: Boeing, Airbus, Embraer

Work environment/activity-schedule may include:

• Longer flight hours
• More structured schedules
• Premium ​‍​‌‍​‍‌benefits

First​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Officers’ Salary in Canada

Entry-level pilots ($45,000–$70,000)

Regional airline first officers ($60,000–$90,000)

Major airline first officers ($90,000–$150,000)

Career​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Growth

A job as a pilot in Canada is a good career option with a positive career growth perspective.

Generally career progression:

• Flight Instructor / Charter Pilot
• First Officer (regional airline)
• Captain (regional airline)
• First Officer (major airline)
• Captain (major airline)

To promote to the rank of Captain is to make a giant step in a pilot’s career, thus receiving a better salary and being entrusted with more ​‍​‌‍​‍‌responsibility.

Why​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Work as a Pilot in Canada?

Canada is recognized to be one of the safest and strongest aviation systems in the world.

These are the reasons why many pilots decide to work in Canada:

• There is a high demand for new pilots
• There are a lot of entry-level positions
• Training standards are very advanced
• Great emphasis on safety
• Good salaries
• International flying opportunities
• Promotions are easy to follow

Additionally, Canada features some of the most amazing places to fly such as the Rocky Mountains and the northern ​‍​‌‍​‍‌territories.

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