Definition
A flight crew consisting of two qualified pilots — typically a pilot flying (PF) and a pilot monitoring (PM) — who share cockpit duties through defined roles, callouts, and cross-checks during all phases of flight.
Plain English
Two pilots flying the airplane together, with each one having a clear job. One is hands-on flying, and the other is watching instruments, handling radios, and checking the first pilot's actions.
Context Anchor
Seen in jet airplane operations, especially during takeoff, climb, checklist use, and cockpit callouts.
Why Pilots Care
Jet operations typically require two pilots to divide cockpit tasks, monitor each other, and manage high workload during critical phases such as takeoff.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as simply “two pilots are sitting in the airplane.” In this context, it means two pilots are functioning as an organized crew with assigned flying and monitoring duties.
Example Sentence 1
Jet airplane procedures are built around a two-pilot crew, so the takeoff briefing assigns who will fly and who will monitor.
Example Sentence 2
Because the jet is certified for a two-pilot crew, both pilots must be current and qualified for the flight.