What Makes a Good Second in Command: A View from the Left Seat
As an airline captain and instructor, I've seen aviation from multiple perspectives. After thousands of hours in the air and years of training pilots, one thing becomes crystal clear: the qualities that make an exceptional Second in Command (SIC) are often not what most pilots expect.
Looking Beyond the Logbook
When I evaluate potential First Officers, I'm not just hiring for the right seat – I'm looking for future captains. While flight hours matter, they don't tell the whole story. In fact, having too many hours without proper airline experience can sometimes be a disadvantage. Why? Because incorrect habits may have formed, and more importantly, there's often a dangerous overconfidence that comes from "not knowing what you don't know."
The Right Attitude: The True Foundation
The most crucial quality I look for isn't found in any logbook or certificate. It's attitude. Here's what I mean:
First, I need to see a genuine recognition of your current knowledge limitations. If you haven't been through airline training even if you have over a thousand hours, you're at the beginning of your professional journey – not the middle or end. Acknowledging this is crucial.
Second, I look for an insatiable appetite for learning. The path to becoming a professional pilot is demanding, and it should be. Every flight is an opportunity to learn, every briefing a chance to improve. The best SICs approach each day with this mindset.
Professional Mindset: Always "On"
Being "switched on" isn't just a phrase – it's a state of being. It means:
- Coming thoroughly prepared for every flight
- Maintaining constant situational awareness
- Being proactive rather than reactive
- Demonstrating discipline in every aspect of operations
The Airline vs. Private Aviation Path
Consider this contrast: becoming an airline pilot often means facing rigorous selection processes where 500 candidates compete for a single position. Each interaction, even a simple "How was your drive today?" becomes an opportunity to demonstrate professional awareness and attention to detail.
A proper response isn't "Fine, thanks." Instead, it's "The drive was planned for 25 minutes but took 48 due to traffic. I departed 30 minutes early to compensate. Weather en route was easterly winds, unlimited visibility, scattered clouds at 5,000 feet, temperature 5°C, dew point -5°C."
This level of detail and awareness isn't showing off – it's demonstrating the mindset required for professional aviation.
The Path Forward
Becoming a professional pilot isn't about knowing the right people or having connections. It's about:
- Rigorous preparation
- Continuous learning
- Regular evaluations and checks
- Maintaining the highest standards
- Most importantly, having the right attitude
For aspiring SICs, remember this: I don't expect you to handle every situation like a seasoned captain. What I do expect is your commitment to growth, your recognition of the learning curve ahead, and your dedication to becoming the safest and most professional pilot possible.
The journey to the right seat is demanding – and it should be. After all, you're not just training to be a First Officer; you're laying the foundation to become a future captain. That responsibility begins the moment you apply for your first job.