Technical Pilot position

[ECAM Status]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know if there are any requirements (JAR or EU ops) with regards to the qualifigations one must have in order to be able to hold a Technical Pilot post with an Airline? My main question is whether a co-pilot is able to hold this post. I would appreciate any reference to any regulations with regards to any requirements.

Regards

[FL470]

I can't give you any references, but since this is not a JAR/EASA/FAR position, there are no requirements at all. The company decides who they want to have as a tech pilot.
The previous employer I was working for used co-pilots for this job...

[Nightrider]

Since there is (according to my understanding) not even a requirement in the mentioned laws to have a Technical Pilot, there is, of course, no minimum qualification described anywhere.
Most airlines, however, use the installation of a Technical Pilot to enhance liaising between FltOps and Maintenance department, i.e. DDM / MEL issues etc.
The Technical Pilot can also collect vital details for trouble shooting purposes and give engineers a better understanding of inflight problems.
If there is a Technical Pilot position established in an airline, the FOM will (or should) provide details about the responsibilities and the tasks dedicated to him (her).
And why should a Technical Pilot not be "only" a First Officer? There are some right hand seat fellows who have a very professional technical knowledge and they may actually do a better job as some of the "upgraded" captains.... I know of at least 2 Technical Pilots who just collect the extra payments....no one would see any difference inside the company if they will be on vacation for the rest of the year.

[747guru]

I dont know of any formal requirements/qualifications for technical pilot, but in our company, the current post holder is a Capt who is new to type, having operated only commuter a/c previously and recently failed a line check....too much time in the office me thinks???

Can we have a keen and competent F/O instead please?

[Flintstone]

I've known of two (FO) technical pilots in european airlines.

[airmen]

There is no such requirement and the best is to find a pilot either F/O or CDR who understand the duties of the job and have a corresponding background.