What is a co-pilot?

A co-pilot is a first officer in a flight crew that works to assist the captain in safely navigating the plane. In this career, your job duties begin well before departure and include conducting pre-flight weather briefings, preparing the cabin for radio communications, and setting up other equipment. You also share piloting responsibilities with the captain, so you need the skills necessary for flying a commercial aircraft. If something happens to the ranking captain, whether they become ill, incapacitated, or need a scheduled break, you take command and fly the plane.