Is it a good idea to get rid of the Flight Engineer Position on most airlines?

Answer 1

Yes. They just aren't needed. The things that flight engineers used to do were automated away by the system designers. You don't need an expert on engine performance because the engines are computer controller (see FADEC) and the throttle levers just pass a demand to the system. Similarly with other systems. All the things they used to calculate are just provided by the aircraft systems. You could claim that an extra set of eyes might be useful in an emergency, and there have certainly been occasions where an extra crew member saved the day, but they are very rare.

Answer 2

The Flight Engineer position is all but gone.

All modern aircraft, including the A380, and 747-400 and 747-800 are two pilot aircraft.

Flight Engineers were necessary on older designs to control the aircraft's systems, because of their difficult operation, as an example, on the 727, the AC Generators did not come on-line automatically, they first had to be fazed manually by the FE, then put on-line.
When required, the FE need not be a pilot at all, they could be aircraft mechanics, licensed to be FEs.

Moder technology makes system operation simple and in most cases automatic, they are far more reliable and there is no further need for an FE.

Yes, it is a good idea, to get rid of the FE position.

Answer 3

No. Safety dictates the need for Flight Engineers.

Answer 4

no