The Captain is the senior pilot on a flight deck, typically seated in the left seat of a commercial airliner. They hold the final authority over all decisions regarding the safety, operation, and navigation of the flight. Even when the first officer is physically handling the controls, the Captain retains ultimate legal responsibility for the aircraft, passengers, and crew.
I'll handle the radio calls and checklists while the captain flies this approach.
You can visually identify a commercial airline captain by the four stripes on their epaulettes and jacket sleeves, whereas a first officer wears three.
Also heard as
- pilot in command
- PIC
Related terms
Commercial
Relating to airports or flight operations that handle paying passengers and cargo.
PPL
The Private Pilot Licence is a certification that permits an individual to fly an aircraft for non-commercial purposes.
Flyboy
A slang nickname for a male pilot that often implies a brash or overconfident attitude.