Pilot in Command
What does it mean to be a Pilot in Command these days -
You read on this Bulletin Board how professional (?) pilots “ …..were forced into a position to fly an aircraft overweight”, or “…..there where known defects on the aircraft I had to fly”. The Operator this or the Owner that, or even better, “…….CASA should be more proactive in this area”.
Allocating blame toward third parties and resultantly abrogating core responsibilities in order to fast track to a better job…………..or biding time before the next bigger or better opportunity should arise. Seemingly and rather mystically it will unfold at some future point to allow you to fly the aircraft you want, have the salary you deserve and the respect you believe appropriate.
This mystical place or career progression does not exist without Pilots accepting their responsibility as part of the safety chain. Knowing your responsibilities as the Pilot in Command………..and acting in an appropriate manner is essential. Whether this is a light aircraft or the latest heavy jet is inconsequential. Some of you guys should seriously consider what it means to be the pilot in command, look it up if you need to - its very specific in its definition.
The Pilot in Command is the only one that has the responsibility to decide if an aircraft is going to be flown – If you are not consciously carrying out this responsibility - then you are just a less than technically perfect autopilot.
Have a nice day.