In the Navy we flew set crews while on the deployment(THE ICE) so after a month we knew each other habits. If I went to the back for something I would tell the pilots how the panel\'s were set ie, \"were on aux tanks\". That method worked well for me, if they played with the heat,while I was gone, I would set it back to where it felt good for me... AS far as navs in my seat while I was gone, I would move the prop beat under their seat, enjoyed watching their junk shake around the nav table.
In the commerical world, a PFE\'s pay scale is equal to or more then the FO\'s. The big difference between a PFE and a SO (second officer)is a PFE has an A&P licence and is a maintence and systems expert. The SO is a pilot trying to move up to right seat and has enough system knowledge to pass a check ride.
When I worked for TRANSAFRIK I tried!!! to teach the CAPT\'s and FO\'s how to start the GTC/APU just in case we had to get out of a remote area fast. I would set the panels up so when the GTC/APU came on line all they had to do was push the #3 starter button, by that time,I would hopefully be back in the seat..