Definition
A standard verbal phrase used during flight training to formally accept control of the aircraft from the other pilot, completing the second step of the FAA's three-step positive exchange of flight controls procedure.
Plain English
The phrase one pilot says to clearly tell the other pilot, 'I am now flying the aircraft.' It removes any doubt about who is in charge of the controls at that moment.
Context Anchor
Used between an instructor and student, or between two pilots, whenever one person takes over control of the aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents confusion about who is flying and maintains safety during training handovers.
Grounding Statement
Only one person should be clearly responsible for flying the aircraft at any moment.
Intuition Check
Do not treat this as a casual statement that your hands are on the controls. In this context, it means you have accepted responsibility for controlling the aircraft.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor said, 'You have the flight controls,' and the student replied, 'I have the flight controls,' before taking over the yoke.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot taking over states 'I have the flight controls' to complete the handover.