Technical Pilot position
 

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

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...

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.

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?

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

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.