Airlines use Cruise Relief Pilots on long haul flights to allow the main flight crew some rest. Some airlines have specialized Relief Pilot positions, whilst these positions may be seen as less glamorous they can provide relatively low hours pilots a step into some of the world's major airlines.

Cruise Relief Pilots are used on long haul flights, in the USA FAA regulations require such a pilot to be carried on every flight over 8 hours in duration. Some airlines rotate their First Officers to fulfill this position (through seniority or bidding), other airlines designate a separate Second Officer position or the 'Cruise Relief Pilot' position to fulfill this role.

The main role of the Relief Pilot is to relieve the Captain and First Officer during the cruise portion of the flight. Essentially the Relief Pilot will sit in the Captain's seat and the First Officers seat (or the other way round) as they take their breaks respectively. The Relief Pilot can expect to spend up to two thirds of a flight at the controls. The Relief Pilot may also be required to support the main crew during take offs, landings and other parts of the flight.

The Cruise Relief Pilot will be a fully qualified pilot and type-rated on the aircraft, although Relief Pilots are usually not permitted to perform any takeoffs or landings. Not being at the controls for takeoffs or landing is the toughest part of the job and can be hard to stomach! In fact Air Canada's Relief Pilots are only allowed to fly the plane above 10,000 feet.

The role of Relief Pilot may be a lesser one but many pilots who have performed it have found it to be challenging and rewarding. It takes a pilot into the world of long haul flying on much heavier jets then they are likely to be used to. The salary is good and it is a brilliant way to see the world which one might not otherwise get the opportunity to do.

Cruise Relief Pilots are normally recruited officially as Second Officers. It is viewed as a junior position and the majority of airlines operating this role will recruit their second officers with the intention of promoting them to First Officers. The position of Cruise Relief Pilot (or Second Officer) provides a good opportunity to work for some of the world's top airlines with the prospect of becoming a First Officer and then Captain for your airline.

It is also a great learning opportunity, Relief Pilots will work alongside very experienced pilots. Sitting in the jump seat for takeoffs and landings means you can learn a great deal from your more experienced counterparts. As a Relief Pilot you will be able to experience the top level of commercial aviation on the worlds biggest jets flying out from the worlds busiest airports.

Airlines which currently recruit pilots for the Relief Pilot role include Air Canada, Cathay Pacific and Qantas amongst others. Cathay Pacific recruit their Second Officers to be Relief Pilots on the 747 or A340. These Relief Pilots will receive top training, visit the world's top cities and then can expect a promotion to First Officer. It is a brilliant way to become a Cathay Pacific Pilot for pilots with experience as low as 1000 hours.

Being a Cruise Relief Pilot can provide a very good lifestyle, the benefits package is usually very good and you tend to get lost of days off. Pitfalls may include boredom as you will only work long sectors and you will only be in the front seat for the cruise portion of the flight (considered to be the boring part of the flight where not much goes on).

Being a Relief Pilot is something which should be seriously considered and is not something which should be sighed upon. It may be considered a junior position but it enables relatively inexperienced pilots to enter long haul operations on a heavy type which they otherwise would not have been able to achieve if applying for the adjacent First Officer position.

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