Definition
The pilot who has final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of an aircraft during flight time. Under 14 CFR 1.1, the PIC is the person who has been designated as pilot-in-command before or during the flight, and who holds the appropriate category, class, and type ratings (when required) for the aircraft being flown.
Plain English
The pilot who is officially in charge of the flight. They make the final decisions about the aircraft and are responsible for what happens during the flight.
Context Anchor
Seen in regulations, flight planning, logbooks, training records, and cockpit decision-making whenever responsibility for a flight must be clear.
Derivation
From 'pilot' (one who steers) and 'in command' (in a position of authority). The phrase 'in command' comes from the Latin 'commendare,' meaning to entrust or charge with responsibility. The PIC is the pilot entrusted with the aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
The PIC carries legal responsibility for the flight and all decisions made in its operation.
Intuition Check
Do not assume PIC means “the pilot currently flying the airplane.” PIC means the pilot legally in charge of the flight, even if another qualified pilot is handling the controls.
Example Sentence 1
As pilot-in-command, she briefed the passengers on seatbelt use and emergency exits before starting the engine.
Example Sentence 2
Before the trip the two pilots agreed that the more experienced one would act as pilot-in-command.