Pilot monitoring

When two pilots are in the cockpit, the one not actively flying the aircraft must perform pilot monitoring duties. This regulation establishes that the non-flying pilot has specific responsibilities beyond simply sitting in their seat.

The exact monitoring duties depend on the airline's procedures outlined in their operations manual. These typically include tasks like watching instruments, managing radios, monitoring the flight path, calling out deviations, and serving as a cross-check for the flying pilot's actions.

This requirement formalizes the concept of crew resource management in airline operations. Rather than having a passive second pilot, it ensures both crew members actively participate in safe flight operations through defined roles. The pilot monitoring serves as a critical safety layer, catching errors and maintaining situational awareness while the other pilot focuses on controlling the aircraft. Each airline must document these specific duties in their FAA-approved manual.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*