What is an SO?
 

Hi,have been glancing in envy at ppjn and just wondered what an "S.O" in the context of a rank is.Seems to fit in below an "F.O" which is obviously a first officer.

Just curious (i just know its going to be something obvious)!
PP

I'll give you a clue - What comes after first and begins with an S ?

An SO is a Second Officer, just like an FO is a First Officer. Some airlines, but not all have SO's as cruise pilots.

If that clue was any more cunning it would have been a fox! Sorry if i didn't make myself clear,i understand what it stands for but just not where the rank fits into things! I've never come across the term before in the airline i work for so just wondered.

PP

cheers iflee,it all becomes clear.I presume they are generally only used on LH routes though!?

no, not always,

some UK airlines use SO to denote a pilot who hasn't unfrozen his ATPL or below some arbitary experience level,

do the same job as an FO but the bean counters love them as they are cheaper! :}

At my company (a major Far East Operator), SOs are basically like FOs under supervision. They fly RH with an Instructor Capt in the Left seat. They do ALL the stuff an FO does. Only thing is that an FO is required ALWAYS in the jump seat when a SO operates (in case the SO can't cope). The SOs usually become FOs after 10 months...

PP,

The Gafster says "alreet". He's doing well. And if you'd sent me a text message asking me that question I could have spared you the abuse you opened yourself up to!!!!

DMK

P.s. Went to the Keys on Eric's small Cruise Ship. Bring back any memories??

The "SO" designation is also used for the Flight Engineer seat in some US airlines.