L ook through the text and answer the question:

THE FLIGHT CREW

The crew of any passenger aircraft are a pilot (co-pilot) and the captain. They are on the flight deck in flight.

P ilot's duties include much more than getting on the plane and flying the airplane. Pilots must check weather conditions and plan a safe route. The pilot then files the flight plan with air traffic control. They must thoroughly study the weather data and flight plan before push back from the gate. During preflight check the pilot must completely check the aircraft to ensure that all

systems are operating properly and that all equipment is functioning properly. During the flight, pilots must monitor its progress and maintain communications with air traffic control facilities on the ground. After the flight, the pilot completes the necessary paperwork for the flight and closes out the flight documents.

The co-pilot is an executive officer. He must be familiar with all the captain’s duties. He must be extremely proficient in engine operation, and know what to do to keep the airplane flying smoothly. He must have a thorough knowledge of cruising control data, and know how to apply them at a proper time. He is also an engineering officer aboard, and maintains a complete log of performance data.

He must be proficient in the operation of all radio equipment located in the pilot's compartment.

On some airliners there is a navigator, a radio-operator and a flight-engineer, they are also crew members.

The navigator's job is to direct flight from departure to destination and back. He must know the exact position of the airplane at all times. A pilot and a navigator study the weather they might encounter and weather conditions at the alternate airfields and the captain decides what action is to be taken. If there is doubt about the position of the airplane, a pilot and a navigator should analyze the situation and decide the best action to take.

A qualified flight engineer must know his airplane, its engines and equipment thoroughly. He must work closely with the co-pilot, checking engine operation, fuel consumption and the operation of all equipment. He should have general knowledge of radio equipment, and be able to assist in tuning transmitters and receivers.

There is a lot of radio equipment in today's aircraft.

T here is one man in particular who knows all about this equipment - radio operator.

He has to provide communication with air traffic control.

I t is very difficult to overestimate the importance of each crew member on board as they provide safe flights and passengers’ lives depend on them.