Gate 41Captain (pilot in command)
Meet Captain Imani Okafor, an illustrative character. Has final responsibility for the safety of the aircraft, passengers and crew. Makes the key decisions on fuel, diversions and whether to go.
Before the flight
Reviews the flight plan, weather and aircraft status with the dispatcher, then briefs the crew.
During the flight
Flies or monitors the aircraft, communicates with ATC and makes announcements.
After the flight
Completes the post-flight checks and records any issues for maintenance.
Works closely with
Works with the first officer, cabin crew, dispatch, ATC and maintenance.
Good to know
- Pilots spend years training and take frequent simulator checks.
- Captain and first officer share the flying; the roles of "pilot flying" and "pilot monitoring" swap by flight.
Related questions
- Why do the engines change sound?
- What is turbulence, really?
- Why does takeoff feel so fast?
- Why does the plane tilt in turns?
- What are those thumps and whirrs under the floor?
- Why do my ears pop, and what is that hiss?
- Why might oxygen masks drop?
- What are those bangs and roars when we land?
An illustrative composite character. Roles, titles and procedures differ between airlines, airports and countries.