First officer (FO)

A first officer (FO), also called a co-pilot, is the second pilot in command of an aircraft. They work alongside the captain to operate commercial, charter, or private flights.

The first officer shares equal responsibility (as a captain) in managing flight operations, navigation, and communication, except in final command decisions where the captain has the decisive role.

The first officer assists in flight planning, pre-flight inspections, system checks, and coordination with air traffic control. 

This collaborative framework ensures that no single individual bears the entire operational burden and dictates that both pilots cross-check one another’s actions to minimize errors and ensure compliance with safety protocols.