Plain English Meaning

The part of the aircraft where the pilots sit and fly the plane. It contains the controls, instruments, and displays they use to operate the aircraft.

Full Definition

The forward compartment of an aircraft from which the pilot or pilots operate the controls and monitor the flight instruments. In larger aircraft it is a separate, often secured, area; in light aircraft the term is used interchangeably with cockpit.

Context Anchor

Seen in discussions of pilot responsibility, cockpit duties, crew coordination, and who may be present in the pilot control area.

Derivation

Originally a nautical term — the 'flight deck' on an aircraft carrier is the open top deck where aircraft and land. The word was carried to to the working where the flying happens, which in an aircraft is the pilots' compartment.