Frequency of First Officer Takeoffs and Landings in Commercial Aviation

One of the most common inquiries in the realm of commercial aviation is regarding the frequency with which a First Officer (FO) can take off and land a plane. This intricacy within the operational dynamics largely rests on the discretion of the Captain, who holds the ultimate authority.

Discretionary Authority of the Captain

The primary responsibility for takeoffs and landings lies with the Captain, also known as the Pilot in Command (PIC). The PIC can allow an FO to perform these tasks as frequently as they see fit, based on their judgment and the situation at hand. This practice is designed to ensure that FOs, who are often newer and less experienced, can gain valuable experience.

Common Scenarios Involving FO Takeoffs and Landings

There are a few notable scenarios in which an FO may take the controls. For instance:

On the Captain's birthday, the FO might be granted the opportunity to take the controls as a special treat. When the Captain needs to use the restroom or is otherwise temporarily unable to perform their duties, the FO can take over.

Outside of these exceptional circumstances, FOs typically do not take the controls for takeoffs and landings unless specifically instructed by the Captain.

Rotational Duty: Pairing Off

In scheduled flights, especially on route pairs to and from a hub, the takeoff and landing duties are often rotated between pilots. This ensures that no single pilot lands the same aircraft repeatedly. For instance:

In a 737 flight, the rotation might look like this: Capt (ATL-SLC), FO (SLC-SEA), Capt (SEA-OAK). In a 717 flight, it could be: Capt (ATL-GNV-ATL), FO (ATL-GSO-ATL).

Building Pilot Experience

By allowing FOs to handle takeoffs and landings, Captains enable these pilots to build hours more quickly. Experience is a crucial factor in advancing to higher pilot positions, and this practice significantly aids in that process.

It is important to note that while there are specific instances where an FO can take command of the aircraft, the Captain retains ultimate authority. Any decision to relinquish control to an FO is a crucial one that must be made with the utmost care and consideration. In some cases, if an FO is deemed not ready due to poor situational awareness or fear, the Captain may take back control of the aircraft, even if the FO was the one at the controls.

Roles and Responsibilities

The term PIC is sometimes mistakenly used exclusively to refer to the Captain. While it is true that the Captain is the PIC when they are flying, the term PIC applies to any pilot who is in control of the aircraft at any given time. This principle extends to a student pilot in a training scenario, where the student is the PIC as long as they are at the controls.

In emergency situations, the most qualified and competent pilot takes control, as demonstrated by the example of a Captain taking back control from an FO in challenging weather conditions. The Captain's decision is pivotal in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the flight.

For more information on commercial aviation operations and pilot responsibilities, visit our resources section where a wealth of articles and guides are available.