Managing Flying Risk – Flying with other pilots

Flying together is great fun! But please read the detail.

Pilots flying together in private or club two-seat gliders is increasingly popular. Some prefer that to single seat flying. Two-seater flying is great fun, but once the dynamic of two people in the cockpit is introduced, there are a few traps that can catch the unaware. These traps can be managed if they are thought about before getting airborne; they usually revolve around how the crew resource (ie both pilots) manage themselves.

In all cases, a pilot in command is required. The pilot in command is responsible for the flight (reference SAO.GEN.130 Responsibilities of the pilot in command).

During airborne instruction, it’s very clear who is pilot in command and who will take over in the event that the flight takes a less than smooth course. Even in this situation though, it’s good to have an atmosphere which promotes active involvement by the student. A comment from the student pilot about a nearby aircraft could save the day.

Paid introductory flight passenger flying at BGA clubs is also clear cut. An instructor or an Introductory Flight Pilot is required as pilot in command (reference BGA Operational Regulations).

When two similarly qualified pilot members of clubs are flying together in a two-seater, unless properly considered the situation can be less clear cut. Once again, a pilot in command is required. The law provides some flexibility about the status of the person in the second seat. A pilot in command can designate another suitably experienced person as a passenger or as crew (reference SAO.GEN.135 responsibilities of crew and the associated AMC and GM). A crew member means a person assigned to perform duties on board an aircraft. The crew role, according to the reasonable expectation of the pilot in command, will enhance the safety of the flight or achieve an operational objective of the flight. The person, designated as crew must, according to the reasonable expectation of the pilot-in-command or of the operator, be capable of fulfilling the role. And the person designated as crew must be briefed on the role as a crew member and informed that he or she is crew, not a passenger. And the person must agree to the role as a crew member. By way of example, the qualified pilot in command may designate a fellow pilot as crew to assist with soaring or navigation. Or if for example some externally resourced TV filming activity is arranged and risk-assessed as a ‘specialised operation’ (reference SAO.OP.155 and the associated AMC and GM), a person may be designated as crew by the pilot in command for that purpose. Again in doing so the pilot in command is responsible for ensuring that the associated requirements are met.

The potential for confusion when two experienced pilots fly together increases the risk. Who is in charge? Are both willing to speak up if they are concerned? It may be that a very experienced instructor (but unfamiliar with the type) is flying with a low-hours owner in his own, very familiar two seat glider. In that case, who is P1? Who will fly when the going gets tough? Are both pilots familiar with the tried and tested “You have control”, “I have control” protocol?

Before flying with another pilot, always consider the following:

• The pilot in command must be at least 16 years of age, current, and qualified, i.e. hold a valid SPL with recency.
• Who is best placed to be pilot in command of the flight – then agree that between both pilots.
• It must be clear that the person who is not pilot in command is designated as a passenger or crew (see above)
• Are both pilots briefed to speak up if they don’t like something? The pilot in command should ensure that they are. A simple briefing will help to clarify the situation, eg; “As agreed, I will be PIC on this flight but despite my experience I am perfectly capable of making mistakes. If there is anything that you are unhappy about, or if you think that you may have seen something that I may have missed please tell me immediately.”
• Who will do what during the flight – bearing in mind the pilot in command has been decided before flight
• Are both pilots briefed to hand over / take over control using the tried and tested protocol? The pilot in command should ensure that they are.

If during a flight there is any doubt about who should be in control, the pilot in command must fly the aircraft. Remember, the pilot in command is ALWAYS responsible by law for the safe conduct of the flight.

Supporting pilots with other needs

Occasionally pilots may have medical issues or may exhibit issues with appropriate or timely decision making. Commonly, but not exclusively, these issues are associated with advancing years.

The medically limited qualified pilot

An ‘operational safety pilot limitation’ is added to a medical certificate when a pilot is considered to be at increased risk of incapacitation compared to his/her peer group. In that case, the holder of the medical certificate is precluded from solo flying and must always fly with what is formally described as a ‘safety pilot’. The CAA publishes guidance that can be downloaded from their website.

Other limited qualified pilots

Where a qualified pilot is deemed by the club to be unsafe to fly alone for reasons other than those associated with an operational safety pilot limitation described above, the pilot has options; fly as a passenger with another qualified pilot in command, or fly as pilot under training with an instructor as pilot in command.

The qualified pilot in command must hold at least an SPL within any required recency including launch method. If not current on type, then the type should be within their demonstrated capability (eg, pilots whose only experience is flying unpowered standard class gliders should not be flying more complex types, eg Nimbus 3dt). The pilot should also be experienced with and current on the type of flying planned. 

Both pilots must be willing and confident to speak up if they are at all concerned – however, as ever the decision making and safe conduct of the flight is the responsibility of the Pilot in Command. That responsibility and authority must be discussed, understood and accepted before flight.

Which seat should the pilot in command occupy when flying dual if not instructing?

The Sailplane Air Operations (SAO) rules apply and do not specify which seat. However, the pilot in command requires access to all controls and flight instruments. The Aircraft Flight Manual may provide additional direction. If at all unsure, a non-instructor pilot in command is advised to occupy the front seat.

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