pilot in command

English

Alternative forms

PIC

Noun

pilot in command (plural pilots in command)

  1. (aviation) The pilot in a one-pilot flight crew.
  2. (aviation) The member of a two-pilot flight crew who has strategic control, is responsible for initiating crew resource management, and has ultimate responsibility for the safety of the aircraft.

Usage notes

In a two-pilot crew, the PIC must hold the rank of captain, while the copilot may have the rank of captain or first officer. They typically alternate between the roles of pilot flying and pilot monitoring, often on a sector by sector basis. When the PIC is PM, he will therefore have strategic control, while the PF has tactical control.

Coordinate terms

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