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Written by Mumtaj Khan
Feb 01, 2026

Life of a Flight Engineer:Precision, Performance & Safety

Flight Engineer is a specialist, responsibility of which is to monitor and control different systems of aircraft, including fixed-wing (aeroplanes), rotary-wing (helicopters) and the space flight (ISS). His job is to work closely with the two pilots through their entire flight.

Flight Engineer Eligibility

The level of education required to qualify as a Flight Engineer is that of a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Aeronautical engineering. 

Flight Engineer Required Skills

  • They are supposed to be in a better position to understand better the flight theory and flight maintenance.
  • They must be able to perform in stressful situations because this is a dangerous occupation.
  • They are expected to do in-flight repairs like changing fuses, adjusting instruments and getting stuck flight control cables out, and with hand tools or emergency procedures, to compensate the failure of equipment, including autopilot, wing heaters and electrical and hydraulic systems.
  • They ought to be in a position to comprehend and read diagrams, charts and flight journals.
  • The Electrical, Mechanical and other related knowledge should be profound in Flight Engineers. 

How to become a Flight Engineer?

To become a Flight Engineer, one has to go through the following steps:

Step 1 : The candidates who are interested to become flight engineers must pass higher secondary exam or equivalent exam with Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry subject. Then they are supposed to acquire a degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics.

Step 2 : In case of a graduation degree, they must qualify to take an entrance exam by the relevant University. Based on the score they achieve on this test, they are able to join any college to continue with their graduation. There are a number of known aviation Institutes that offer Flight Engineering courses. These Institutes are allowed to take in candidates who have scored well in their entrance tests.

Step 3 : They are supposed to have a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Electrical or Aeronautical Engineering. In case they do not have an Engineering degree, then they must have a Bachelor of Degree in Mathematics or Physics. They must also require them to acquire a certificate of Flight Engineers in any reputable Aviation Institute and clear the necessary medical examination of eyesight and health issues.

Colleges that also have Courses in Flight Engineer:

  • Bangalore Indian Institute of Science.
  • Punjab Engineering College - University of technology, Chandigarh.
  • Dehradun: Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering.
  • Madras Institute of Technology, Chennai.

Rapid View of every Process of Selection:

  • Pass or possess two plus with subjects Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
  • Acquire a Bachelor of Engineering, Physics or Mathematics.
  • Enroll in any known Aviation Institute.
  • Acquire Flight Engineer Certificate.
  • Pass Medical Test
  • Apply for the Job 

Flight Engineer Job Description

Flight engineer job description involves the monitoring of aircraft systems or the aircraft engines and other key flight systems; diagnosis and corrections or removal of any arising problems; setting and adjustment of engine power during takeoff, climb, cruise, and go-around or at any time when the pilot flying requests a certain power setting to be selected during the approach phase; monitoring and control of the fuel, pressurization and air conditioning, hydraulic, electric, ice and rain protection, oxygen, fire and overheat protection, and powered flying controls; pre-flight and post-flight inspection.

They also make sure that the weight and balance of the aircraft are properly computed to make sure that the centre of gravity is within specifications. 

Flight Engineer Career Prospects

Once they successfully complete the course, they must go through stiff competition to secure a job in this sector because of the competition. Typically, students proceed to take a Master of Engineering degree course in Aerospace Engineering in a software company. In case your goal is to work at NASA and you are an Indian in India then you must be highly talented, patient, and persistent.

In the companies/ places they have many job scopes as well:

  • Air India
  • Pawan Hans
  • Helicopter Corporation of India.
  • Flying Clubs
  • Government Owned Air Service and Private Airlines.
  • Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd
  • Defence Research and Development Laboratories.
  • National Aeronautical Lab
  • Aeronautical Development Establishment.
  • Other places such as Civil Aviation Department.
  • Missile Development Programme.
  • Military and civil aircraft manufacture company. 

Flight Engineer Salary

Flight engineers in government companies like the HAL and NAL receive official scales compared to the payments of people in the private sector which depend on the scales determined by the management of the company. The airline employees also receive fringe benefits of free travel to themselves and their families. On an average basis, they are awarded a monthly salary of between 1,00,000 and 3,00,000 each. The flights and market standards allow Flight Engineers to earn higher than this based on the profile of the companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Candidates with strong technical aptitude, engineering knowledge, and interest in aircraft systems can become Flight Engineers.
A degree or diploma in aeronautical, mechanical, electrical, or avionics engineering is generally required.
Yes, aviation authorities require certification or licensing depending on the aircraft type and country.
Technical expertise, problem-solving, situational awareness, teamwork, and communication skills.
Monitoring aircraft systems, fuel management, performance calculations, and assisting pilots during flight operations.