What is the rule of two pilots?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires two pilots at all times for most aircraft that exceed 12,500 pounds. Other factors, such as flight length may also demand more than one pilot. One of the biggest reasons two pilots are required for commercial flights and private jets is safety.



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Simply put, there must be at least two people in the cockpit at all times when the aircraft is airborne. Indeed, when flying below 10,000 ft, the sterile cockpit rule applies, which prohibits all unnecessary conversation and activities. This includes leaving the cockpit for reasons other than absolutely necessary.

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Currently, while the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards allow a person between the age of 60 and 65 to serve as pilot in command (PIC) of an airplane with two or more pilots, in international commercial air transport operations, the PIC must be paired with a pilot younger than 60 years of age.

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A general rule of thumb for initial IFR descent planning in jets is the 3 to 1 formula. This means that it takes 3 NM to descend 1,000 feet. If an airplane is at FL 310 and the approach gate or initial approach fix is at 6,000 feet, the initial descent requirement equals 25,000 feet (31,000–6,000).

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The Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP) outlines requirements for FAA Part 135 certificated carriers offering commercial air transport using aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight between 12,500 pounds (5,670 kg) and 100,309.3 pounds (45,500 kg).

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A First Officer in aviation is a commercial airline pilot who helps navigate and operate flights. They work in the cockpit with the Captain to assist them with the flight. They sit in the right seat and are the second in command (SIC), while the Captain sits in the left seat and is the pilot in command (PIC).

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They take turns napping and yes, they have both fallen asleep at the same time on a few occasions. Most long haul flights have two sets of pilots. Most modern aircraft that do the long hauls have bunks and relaxation places which are out of sight of the passengers.

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In the U.S., there are no FAA age limits for pilots except for commercial airline pilots employed by airlines certificated under 14 CFR Part 121. These airlines cannot employ pilots after they reach the age of 65. However, these pilots may stay on with a Part 121 carrier in some other role, such as flight engineer.

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Women pilots were also formerly called aviatrices (singular aviatrix). Women have been flying powered aircraft since 1908; prior to 1970, however, most were restricted to working privately or in support roles in the aviation industry. Aviation also allowed women to travel alone on unprecedented journeys.

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If pilots refuse to take the captain's seat, Mann warned that airlines like United could face the same problem even as consumers are returning more to travel. You can't fly with two first officers, he said. You have to have a captain. Finding pilots willing to take career upgrades is not just a United problem.

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Why do they say eject 3 times? The common practice was for the pilot to say eject, eject, eject. The first time was to get my attention, the second was to confirm the order and get me ready to eject, and the third to pull the handle.

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The turbulent process of ejecting puts pilots at serious risk of injury. Once those rockets fire under the seat, they blow a person up and out of the cockpit with enough force to seriously bruise both shoulders on the harness straps and possibly break collarbones.

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Golden Rule 1-Aviate. The PF must fly the aircraft (pitch attitude, thrust sideslip, heading) to stabilize the aircraft's pitch attitude, bank angle, vertical flight path and horizontal flight path. The PM must back up the PF (by monitoring and making call outs till aircraft stabilised). Golden Rule 2-Navigate.

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