Definition

1. Noun:
   • A relief pilot on an airplane: A copilot is a second pilot in the cockpit of an aircraft who assists the captain or pilot-in-command. The copilot shares flying duties, monitors instruments, and can take full control of the aircraft when necessary.

Usage

• The term "copilot" is used specifically in the context of aviation to denote the qualified pilot who is second in command. It is a standard role in commercial, military, and many private aircraft operations.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The experienced copilot safely landed the plane after the captain fell ill.
  • She trained for years to become a copilot for a major airline.
  • During the long-haul flight, the pilot and copilot took turns resting.

Advanced Usage

• "To serve as copilot": To perform the duties of the second-in-command pilot.
  • On his first transatlantic flight, he was thrilled to serve as copilot.

Variants and Related Words

• Co-pilot: An alternative hyphenated spelling of "copilot". The meaning is identical.
• First Officer: A formal title for a copilot in commercial aviation, especially in airlines.
  • The First Officer completed the pre-flight checklist.
• Second-in-command (SIC): A broader term that can describe the copilot's role as the deputy to the pilot-in-command.

Synonyms

• Relief pilot: A pilot who takes over control to relieve another, often used interchangeably with copilot on long flights.
• Second pilot: A direct descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases

• "In the right seat": A common phrase referring to the copilot's traditional seating position in the cockpit.
  • He spent the first five years of his career in the right seat.

Noun

1. a relief pilot on an airplane