JD -
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The end of our -200 fleet was also the end of our F/Es... although until some 6 months prior to the -400 arrival, we had considered acquiring -300 types instead. We did not need that little range increase of the 400 and the passenger capacity is... same.
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What happened was this, and I was one of the proponents. We had some 70 747 F/Es... of which some 25 held a PPL or a CPL (altough they never flew with the airline, only privately for fun) - They were offered to be trained to be qualified as Second Officers (cruise co-pilot) on the 747-400. Since all our sectors on 747-400 would be with 3 pilots, we just incorporated ex-F/Es, to become (in effect) "747-400s F/Es" when on the ground, and "F/O" when above 10,000 feet, taking their turn, flying in cruise.
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Our 747-400 check-lists reflect 3 cockpit crewmembers, active in cockpit. The F/E, now called Second Officer, did walkaround, monitored fueling, and did most flight logs, mass & balance and flight papers as before in the 747-200. We still have some 15 of these ex-F/Es active on the 747-400.
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Even though we had to train them to get a valid CPL with 747 rating, they all qualified without problem, For heaven's sake, as F/E, they knew 90% of the procedures applicable to pilots, R/T, enroute and approach maps... it was a definite plus to keep highly qualified crewmembers with us. After all, many were not of the age of retirement. And they now enjoy a window seat.
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Heard other airlines did same as well - Cargolux, some F/E got trained as pilots in the mid-1990s.
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Happy contrails