Definition 1 of 2
Definition
In a multi-crew cockpit, the pilot flying is the crewmember responsible for the actual control of the aircraft — manipulating the flight controls, managing the flight path, and directing the autopilot or autothrottle when engaged. The role is assigned for a given leg or phase of flight and is distinct from the pilot monitoring (or pilot not flying), who handles radios, checklists, and cross-checks.
Plain English
The pilot who is actually hand-flying or steering the airplane during a particular flight, while the other pilot handles the radios, checklists, and backup duties.
Context Anchor
Used in two-pilot operations, especially during high-workload phases such as the takeoff roll, climb, approach, and landing.
Derivation
Pilot originally referred to a person who steered or guided a ship. In aviation, it kept the same basic idea: the person guiding the aircraft. Flying identifies that this pilot has the active flying role, not just the title of pilot.
Why Pilots Care
Clear role assignment prevents both pilots from acting on the controls at once or, worse, both assuming the other is flying. Who is the pilot flying must be explicitly stated and acknowledged before each phase of flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read pilot flying as simply “a pilot who is in an airplane.” In this context, it means the pilot assigned the active control responsibility at that moment.
Example Sentence 1
The captain briefed that the first officer would be the pilot flying for the leg into Denver.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot flying calls for flaps after the pilot monitoring confirms positive climb.