Pilots in Command

In the demanding world of aviation, airline pilots are viewed as natural leaders by passengers, crew, and employers alike. The work "Pilots In Command: Your Best Trip, Every Trip" goes beyond the curriculum requirements of flight training, delving into a crucial and often overlooked area: transformational leadership and professionalism for aviators, both students and experienced.

This third edition is an indispensable tool, offering new insights into the airline training process, common experiences, and practices new pilots face when entering the airline industry. It expands on previous edition discussions about culture, professionalism, pilot schedules and bidding, and safety for today's airline operations. Additionally, it includes valuable tips on how to maintain professional excellence and optimize your quality of life as an airline pilot.

Detailed Content for the Modern Pilot

A completely new chapter is dedicated to preparing for and completing the initial qualification course, encompassing aircraft systems training, flight deck procedures training, maneuvers training, line oriented flight training (LOFT), and the line oriented evaluation. These elements are fundamental for a successful transition to line operations.

The author covers a wide range of topics that all tie into the application of basic leadership skills. These include:

• Crew roles and crew briefings
• Flight attendants
• Crew Resource Management (CRM): essential for effective communication and decision-making.
• Threat and Error Management (TEM): crucial for operational safety.
• Transitioning to the line and initial operating experience.
• Ground services and dispatch.
• Customer service.
• Abnormal and emergency situations.
• Layovers and crew dynamics.
• 14 CFR Part 117 rest rules.
• Safety.
• A new model of transformational leadership and professionalism for pilots.

This book is essential for new airline pilots and Captain upgrade candidates, as it condenses insights and techniques typically gained only from years of experience and interaction with your fellow pilots and crew at 35,000 feet. An invaluable investment for your professional development in the cockpit.

Explore more about training and resources for commercial ATPL pilots.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pilots in Command

Who is "Pilots in Command" primarily aimed at?

The book is aimed at new airline pilots and those in the process of upgrading to Captain. It offers practical guidance on leadership and professionalism that complements standard flight training.

What new aspects does the third edition of "Pilots in Command" introduce?

The third edition includes new insights into the airline training process, a dedicated chapter on initial qualification (including LOFT and LEO), and an expansion of topics such as culture, professionalism, and rest rules, plus a new model of transformational leadership.

Is this book purely theoretical, or does it offer practical advice too?

"Pilots in Command" goes beyond theory. It offers "solid advice" and "techniques" typically gained from years of experience, covering practical topics like Crew Resource Management (CRM), Threat and Error Management (TEM), and handling abnormal situations, among others.