What qualifies as pilot in command?

The pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft is the person aboard the aircraft who is ultimately responsible for its operation and safety during flight. This would be the captain in a typical two- or three-pilot aircrew, or “pilot” if there is only one certificated and qualified pilot at the controls of an aircraft.

What does it mean when a pilot says pumpkins?

If an aircraft is not equipped with position lights, it will turn into a figurative pumpkin with the setting of the sun and it should not be flown again until the sun rises.

What does deadheading for a pilot mean?

Definition: According to Smith, a pilot or flight attendant who is deadheading onboard a flight is one who is traveling to a destination to be repositioned as part of an on-duty assignment. “This is not the same as commuting to work or engaging in personal travel,” he clarified.

What is the difference between captain and pilot in command?

An aircraft must always have a nominated senior pilot who is in overall charge of the aircraft, this pilot is the Captain. A newly-qualified airline or private jet pilot is allocated the rank of First Officer then later can become a Senior First Officer, before they take a Command Course.

Can you log PIC time in a simulator?

You can log training time in a simulator but you can’t log PIC time. The rules on logging are in 14 CFR 61.51. There’s no requirement anywhere that I can see to have a medical and/or flight review in order to log time.

How do you address a pilot captain?

Commercial airline pilots are addressed as Captain, “sir”, or “ma’am”. Even if you see the First officer standing by to bid you farewell, it’s not customary to address them as anything but these three. Military pilots are almost exclusively addressed according to their ranks.

What does Niner Niner mean?

Aviators often speak “pilot English” to avoid miscommunications over radio transmission. “Tree” for instance, means three, “fife” is the number five and “niner” means nine, says Tom Zecha, a manager at AOPA. The variations stemmed from a desire to avoid confusion between similar-sounding numbers, he says.

Do you get paid to deadhead pilot?

For many years, our deadheads were paid at 50%, which added to the groan factor. With better labor agreements, we now get paid as if the deadhead were a regular flight, so usually it’s a tolerable experience. Flying like a passenger, and specifically with the passengers, can be a challenge.

Why do pilots say rotate when taking off?

Summary. Long story short, pilots say rotate as a verbal queue that the aircraft has reached its predetermined Vr and hence appropriate inputs can be applied to safely pitch the aircraft in a nose-up attitude to gain lift.

What are female pilots called?

Women pilots were also called “aviatrices”. Women have been flying powered aircraft since 1908; prior to 1970, however, most were restricted to working privately or in support roles in the aviation industry. Aviation also allowed women to “travel alone on unprecedented journeys”.

What are pilot ranks?

Ranks are generally split into the following:

• Training Captain.
• Captain.
• Senior First Officer.
• First Officer.
• Second Officer.
• Cadet/Trainee.

Can both pilots log PIC?

A pilot may log PIC time when he/she is the sole occupant of the aircraft; is the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which the pilot is rated or has privileges; or is acting as PIC where more than one pilot is required (FAR 1.1, 61.51 [e]).

Is a CFI always PIC?

Regardless of who is actually flying the airplane, the captain is always the PIC.

What is the highest rank for a pilot?

The highest-ranking member of a flight crew and the commander of the aircraft is the captain. The captain usually has at least 3,000 hours of flying experience, sits in the left-hand seat, and is responsible for the aircraft, its crew, and all other occupants.

Why do pilots say 9er?

The reason why pilots say “niner” instead of nine is to avoid miscommunication over an occasionally fuzzy radio transmission. Miscommunication up in the sky among pilots and air traffic control can lead to devastating consequences, so it’s paramount that communication is as clear as possible.

What do pilots say before landing?

To indicate the landing clearance or final approach, the Captain will either make the following announcement and/or blink the No Smoking sign. “Flight attendants, prepare for landing please.” “Cabin crew, please take your seats for landing.” It may be followed by an announcement by a flight attendant.