pilot flying

Meanings

1. 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.