Right Seat Tips

General aviation is just as prone to pithy sayings as any other worthwhile endeavor. When it comes to managing risk and defining the top three riskiest things weve seen, they include taking off with air in the fuel tanks, a private pilot with a #2 Phillips screwdriver and two pilots trying to fly the same airplane at the same time. While statistics and common sense bear out the fact two pilots up front enhances safety, there remain numerous instances when this has not proven true. Not surprisingly, after accidents with two pilots onboard, the actions of the PIC get the most scrutiny when fault is being assigned.

Key Takeaways:

• The presence of a second pilot in general aviation doesn't guarantee safety, as non-flying pilots often miss opportunities to prevent accidents due to undefined roles or passivity.
• Effective right-seat participation requires clear pre-flight communication to define duties, thorough self-preparation (e.g., weather, aircraft knowledge), and constant in-flight vigilance to monitor the flight and the PIC's actions.
• Right-seat pilots must avoid a false sense of security, maintain independent judgment, and be prepared to assertively intervene—even taking control if necessary—to prevent an accident, prioritizing safety over protocol.

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