If You're Pilot in Command, Then Command Dammit!

I just read another article about two flight instructors taking a pleasure flight in a rented airplane.

There is an old adage about how the most dangerous flight configuration is two instructors in the same plane, and this was borne out by what happened to these two guys.

It seems that they decided to go chase coyotes or squirrels or something in their rented C-172, and thought that flying down to 20-30 feet to do so was a good idea. They took turns flying, with apparently little conversation about who was flying when; they just took control from each other when it seemed like the right time. Well, guess what. They crashed. “I thought you were flying!,” said one guy. “Well, I thought YOU were flying,” said the other. Both emerged a little bent but not permanently broken, but the gear was torn off the plane and the prop struck the ground, requiring an engine tear-down and major airframe repairs. Ugh.

Who was Pilot in Command in this flight? If you ask me, neither. Nobody took charge of the flight and, just like any endeavor left to entropy, it didn't end so well. So, what's the lesson? Take charge.

If you're PIC, then C for gosh sakes. If you're flying with another pilot, make sure it's clear who's flying. The FAA recommends a 3-stage communication for this situation (all my students learn this on the first flight): First guy (or gal) says, “You take the plane.” Next person says, “I have the plane.” Then the first one says, “You have the plane.” Kinda like singing a duet. If done every time, this will dramatically reduce the “well-I-thought-you-were-flying” conversation in the emergency room. It should be clear at all times just who's manipulating the controls.

But what about sharing responsibilities? I know when I'm flying with another pilot for fun, and he's PIC, I like to do SOMETHING so I'm not just a bump on a log. Maybe I'll navigate, or work the comm radios, or fix a sandwich – SOMETHING. If you do the same, and if you're PIC, make sure you verify everything the other pilot's doing. Verify the frequencies he/she is setting, and make sure they're putting in the right radials or GPS courses. Don't depend on them to do it right. Remember, if you're PIC, then C!

Sharing flights with others who enjoy it is one of the real pleasures of aviation. Just make sure you're in charge. After all, if you're PIC and the crud hits the propeller, the FAA will hold YOU responsible, not your co-conspirator. Like the great Roman emperor Ronaldo Maximus said, “Trust but Verify.”