I'm sure it was just a slip of the tongue there Beags but surely you meant to say there's only one commander". I know of many situations where there are two 'captains' sitting up front. As for using the term 'co-pilot', how quaint. I know that my 'co-pilot' is actually a first officer and that for half the time were together, he or she is 'in-command' but under my supervision. I think that I then become the 'co-pilot'.
Personally, I much prefer the more modern terminology of 'pilot flying' and 'pilot not flying' or 'handling pilot' and 'non-handling pilot'. But don't let me take away from you the courtesy of being called "sir" when the need arises. I'm sure some of the ex-RAF types miss all that protocol that todays yoof lack an appreciation for.
Yes, we all know where the buck stops and no one is under any illusion that it is some sort of democracy on the flight deck, more like a benign dictatorship. I feel sorry for those 'captains' that are uncomfortable with anything other than a subservient 'co-pilot' though. On the modern airliner flight deck there is only one commander but at least two pilots. A captain in command and a n other pilot of any rank is second in command. As far as I'm concerned a co-pilot is just PNF or NHP.
Sorry if I've ruffled some feathers with such insubordination. What is the world coming to?
