Understanding the Roles of Pilots: Captain and First Officer Explained

In the age of airline travel, it's important to understand the roles and designations of the pilots who operate these aircraft. While the terms captain and first officer are widely recognized, it's also crucial to understand the technical and legal distinctions. This guide will explore the roles, responsibilities, and legal context of the pilots in command of aircraft during various phases of a flight.

Designation Differences: Captain and First Officer

When discussing aircraft operations, the terms captain and first officer are common, but in the context of airline operations, these terms have specific meanings. On the ground, pilots are referred to as Pilot in Command (PIC) and First Officer (FO), while in the aircraft, they are known as the Pilot Flying (PF) and Pilot Monitoring (PM).

PIC vs PF and PM

On the ground, terms like PIC and FO are used. However, during the flight, the roles dynamically change based on the phase of the flight. For instance, during takeoff, the pilot in the left seat is typically the PF, but this same pilot can become the PM during landing. The same principles apply to the right seat pilot, who is the FO and becomes the PM during landing.

Airbus aircraft use CM1 (Co-pilot 1) and CM2 (Co-pilot 2) to refer to the pilots in the cockpit. In these designations, CM1 is the PF while CM2 is the PM, though this can be swapped depending on the situation.

Legal and Contextual Distinction: Captain vs. Pilot in Command

The term captain is essentially a formal, respect-based title often used outside of official operational contexts. Within the context of military or navy ranks, a captain is a military officer. However, in the world of commercial aviation, the role of a captain is specifically designated as the Pilot in Command (PIC).

The regulation of this title is governed by specific legal frameworks. For instance, in India, Article 181 of the Constitution prohibits the State from awarding any titles other than "a military or academic distinction," meaning the term captain in the context of aircraft is a courtesy title, not a rank.

Pilot in Command vs. Co-pilot

The Pilot in Command is the pilot at the controls of the aircraft and is fully responsible for its operation and safety. A typical PIC will wear four stripes on their shoulder, indicating their rank. This pilot generally sits in the left seat of the cockpit.

The First Officer, on the other hand, is the co-pilot and is responsible for monitoring the flight instruments and assisting the PIC. They typically wear three stripes on their shoulder. The First Officer generally sits in the right seat of the cockpit.

Operational Roles During Training and Simulations

In some air training scenarios, especially those involving Initial Operating Experience (IOE) or Line Check Airman (LCA) duties, you may see both pilots wearing four stripes. In such cases, the pilot in the left seat who is on four-stripes is the new Captain, while the pilot in the right seat who is also on four stripes is a more experienced Captain overseeing the new Captain's final training segments.

Conclusion

The roles and designations of pilots during airline operations are crucial for understanding the dynamics of a flight. The title of captain serves as a courtesy term within airline contexts, while the official designation is Pilot in Command (PIC). Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the pilot in the left and right seats can help travelers and industry professionals better appreciate the professionalism and skill needed to operate commercial aircraft safely and efficiently.