Number two fault: check by pilot (4-8)

I believe the answer is:

vice-chairman

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'number two' is the definition.
(number two in charge)

'fault check by pilot' is the wordplay.
'fault' becomes 'vice' (I've seen this before).
'check' becomes 'ch' (I've seen this in other clues).
'by pilot' becomes 'airman' (I've seen this before. I am not sure about the 'by' bit.).
'vice'+'ch'+'airman'='VICE-CHAIRMAN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for vice-chairman that I've seen is " Committee deputy".)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.