Are Flight Engineers Still Used?

A flight engineer (FE) is a member of the flight crew who is responsible for monitoring and operating the aircraft’s complex systems. Their role is to monitor and manage the aircraft’s engines and critical flight systems. They were often called “air mechanics” early on in aviation, but the position became redundant with the development of computers and electronic microprocessors. Until the 1980s, widebody aircraft required flight engineers, working alongside the captain and first officer.