Which of the following is a primary responsibility of the First Officer?

The primary responsibility of the First Officer is to assist the Captain in the operation of the aircraft. This role encompasses a variety of tasks, including supporting the Captain during flight operations, managing flight procedures, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols and regulations. The First Officer works closely with the Captain to perform checks and may take over flight tasks as needed, especially in challenging situations.

Assisting the Captain is integral to the teamwork required in a cockpit, as it helps ensure effective decision-making and safe operations. The First Officer communicates important information, manages their specific duties, and serves as an additional layer of oversight, all of which contribute to the safety and efficiency of the flight.

While other options included critical functions related to aviation, they are not the primary responsibility of the First Officer. For instance, landing the aircraft is primarily the responsibility of the Captain, who oversees the entire approach and landing phases. Managing cabin crew is typically handled by the lead flight attendant, coordinating duties and ensuring passenger safety. Communicating with air traffic control is a shared responsibility between the Captain and the First Officer but is often led by the Captain to maintain a clear command structure during the flight.