The first officer helps the captain communicate with the tower, monitor flight instruments, and operate controls. Large airplanes may have a third pilot, the flight engineer. The duties of the flight engineer include preflight checks and monitoring the mechanical and electrical systems. Before the flight, pilots plan their route, altitude and speed. They calculate the takeoff speed based on weather, type of plane, and weight.
Pilots check the weather forecast for the route and their destination.
They also check that all systems are functioning properly. Pilots check that the cargo was loaded properly. During takeoff and landing, the pilot focuses on the runway while the first officer watches the instrument panel. When the plane reaches takeoff speed, the first officer informs the pilot who pulls back on the controls to raise the nose of the plane. During the flight, pilots use the autopilot and flight management computer to steer the plane along the route.