Division of roles in the aircraft cockpit – who’s who?

🕗 5 minutes | August 6, 2024 | Text Mateusz Łapuć 

Have you ever wondered how cockpit roles are divided and how the flight crew collaborates? Do you want to know who the pilot flying and pilot monitoring are? Who holds the highest rank in the cockpit, and who has the final say? Read on to discover the secrets of aircraft control and cockpit operations.

In modern commercial aircraft, clear role distribution and teamwork are essential for safe and efficient flight operations. The sheer number of flight control elements means that multi-crew cooperation is necessary for proper aircraft management.

To ensure effective collaboration, pilots undergo specialized training before being allowed to operate commercial aircraft. This ensures seamless teamwork and adherence to aviation protocols.

In the past, aircraft cockpits were much simpler compared to today. Instruments were limited, electronic displays, autopilot systems, and radio navigation tools were either primitive or non-existent.

For example, navigation was once entirely manual, relying on paper maps, compasses, and visual landmarks. Today, modern commercial aviation uses advanced navigation systems, while traditional methods are mostly reserved for recreational and general aviation.

Today’s advanced aircraft cockpits are equipped with numerous systems, including navigation panels, autopilot controls, and flight management systems (FMS). While the captain holds the final authority, a cohesive division of roles is crucial for safe and efficient operations.

Let’s break down the key roles in a modern cockpit.

On every flight, the two pilots decide in advance who will be the pilot flying (PF). The PF is responsible for controlling the aircraft and operating flight instruments, ensuring the plane stays on course, at the correct altitude, and at the appropriate speed.

The PF is responsible for:

• Handling the flight controls (yoke, throttle, and navigation systems).
• Taking off, climbing, cruising, descending, and landing the aircraft.
• Managing in-flight manoeuvres and navigation.

The Pilot Monitoring (PM) supports the Pilot Flying by managing key flight parameters and ensuring compliance with air traffic control (ATC) instructions.

The PM is responsible for:

• Monitoring engine power, fuel levels, and aircraft performance.
• Communicating with air traffic control and responding to ATC instructions.
• Verifying checklists and monitoring all flight instruments.

The PM's role is equally important as they act as a second set of eyes, ensuring all flight procedures are followed accurately and safely.

In every commercial aircraft cockpit, a clear hierarchy is maintained. Most airline flight crews consist of two pilots:

• The Captain – The highest-ranking pilot, responsible for final decisions regarding the aircraft, passengers, and crew. The captain holds ultimate responsibility for aircraft safety.
• The First Officer (FO) – Also known as the co-pilot, the first officer is second-in-command and assists in all flight operations. In an emergency, the first officer must be prepared to take control of the aircraft.

On long-haul flights, the crew may include three or even four pilots, allowing for pilot rotation and rest periods.

Modern aircraft cockpits are equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to enhance safety and efficiency. Key systems include:

• Autopilot systems that enable the aircraft to follow a pre-programmed flight route.
• Advanced electrical panels for managing fuel, engine performance, and cabin pressurization.
• Navigation and communication systems that support real-time decision-making.

These systems reduce pilot workload and increase flight safety, allowing pilots to focus on critical operations.

A sterile cockpit is an aviation protocol that prohibits non-essential conversations during the most critical phases of flight—takeoff, landing, and taxiing.

This rule ensures pilots remain fully focused on flight operations and are not distracted by irrelevant discussions. Communication with cabin crew is also restricted, except in emergencies.

The sterile cockpit minimizes distractions, helping pilots monitor aircraft performance, engine indicators, and flight conditions.

Cockpit instrumentation and complexity vary significantly between commercial jets and small private aircraft.

• Commercial aircraft typically require a multi-crew team for safe operations.
• Light aircraft (such as Cessnas or Pipers) are operated by a single pilot, making cockpit procedures simpler but more hands-on.

Unlike commercial jets, light aircraft often lack autopilot and require manual flying, making pilots more sensitive to turbulence and wind conditions.