pilots flying

A form of pilot flying — In a two-pilot flight crew, the pilot currently making tactical decisions to ensure the aircraft keeps to the approved route, handling the primary flight controls (the yoke or sidestick, rudder pedals, and thrust/power/throttle levers), and responsible for the secondary controls such as the flaps and autopilot, typically directing the pilot monitoring to operate them. The PF also directs the PM when to run checklists, responding as appropriate.

Meanings

noun
  1. pluralplural of pilot flying
Cite this entry
APA

pilots flying. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pilots%20flying

MLA

“pilots flying.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pilots%20flying. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “pilots flying,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pilots%20flying.

Source: pilots flying on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.