cockpit crew

Meaning

The cockpit crew refers to the professional flight deck team responsible for operating an aircraft, primarily consisting of the captain (pilot) and the first officer (co-pilot). Unlike the cabin crew, who look after passenger safety and comfort, the cockpit crew focuses entirely on flying and navigating the plane.

Examples

• The cockpit crew performed their pre-flight checks before the passengers began boarding.

  The cockpit crew performed their pre-flight checks before the passengers began boarding.

• We are currently waiting for the cockpit crew to arrive from their previous flight.

  We are currently waiting for the cockpit crew to arrive from their previous flight.

• The captain introduced the rest of the cockpit crew over the PA system.

  The captain introduced the rest of the cockpit crew over the PA system.

• Communication between the cockpit crew and air traffic control must remain clear at all times.

  Communication between the cockpit crew and air traffic control must remain clear at all times.

• After a long flight, the cockpit crew handed over the aircraft to the relief team.

  After a long flight, the cockpit crew handed over the aircraft to the relief team.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The cockpit crew served us drinks during the flight.

  ✓ The cabin crew served us drinks during the flight.

  The cockpit crew (pilots) flies the plane; the cabin crew (flight attendants) handles passenger service.

• ✗ The plane has a very experienced cockpit crews.

  ✓ The plane has a very experienced cockpit crew.

  The word 'crew' is a collective noun. When referring to one team, use the singular form 'crew' rather than the plural 'crews'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The ___ consists of the captain and the first officer.

  💡 The team that flies the aircraft.

  Show answer

  cockpit crew

• Due to strict security regulations, unauthorized persons cannot enter the area where the ___ works.

  💡 The pilots' team.

  Show answer

  cockpit crew