Originally Posted by
Ottopilot
I'm a pilot, therefore I fly airplanes. IRO don't fly. IRO is third-in-command (even when the CA is sleeping in the back). He spends 1/3 of the flight in the back, 1/3 in the left seat, and 1/3 in the right seat. The takeoff and landing, they are in the jumpseat. It's not about building time, its about being a pilot or baby sitter.
I'm curious why you wouldn't rather be the IRO? sleep in the back and be rested on the overnight vs. staying up all night and being tired? is it the 75% pay?