When we replaced our 747-200s one by one, we were to retire F/Es...
However, an option was offered to them. Make them "Cruise F/O".
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A few of them were pilots, PPL and CPL... obvious no jet pilot experience.
But they had years of experience as 747-200 F/E...
They knew the maps, the routes, R/T... pilot procedures.
So, 19 of them qualified for CPL and as Cruise F/O for our 747-400s.
And... all the 747-400 F/Os got qualified as... Cruise Captains.
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Our SOP in the 400s are quite similar to the 747-200.
The cruise F/Os (former F/Es) do walkaround as before. Same flight documents.
They participate in the check lists, and remain in the flight deck to 10,000 ft.
They act as F/O in cruise, time in pilot seat is shared with the other pilots.
They can remain in pilot seat during descent until 10,000 ft.
Extra pair of eyes. In case of a system malfunction, they troubleshoot.
Just as before... but from the jump seat, or a pilot seat.
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Some were still young guys, in their late 30s... We saved their job.
By the way, my claim to fame - I instigated this.
Director of Operations and the Chief Pilot approved.
And we kept a few in the 200 as F/E until the last 200 is retired.
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Happy contrails
P.S. We had a problem in training with most of these F/Es...
When they heard "Traffic 12 o'clock", they turned their head to the left.