FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Human Factors and CRMEasy
During cruise flight, the captain says, 'You have the controls,' intending to transfer aircraft control to the first officer. According to standard positive exchange of flight controls procedures, what should happen next?
- AThe first officer silently takes the controls without any verbal acknowledgment
- BThe first officer replies, 'I have the controls,' and the captain visually confirms before releasing control inputs
- CThe first officer waits for a second verbal command before touching the controls
- DThe captain immediately releases the controls without waiting for a reply
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The first officer replies, 'I have the controls,' and the captain visually confirms before releasing control inputs
Positive exchange of flight controls requires a clear verbal exchange and visual confirmation to ensure both pilots agree who is flying the aircraft, preventing dual or no control input errors.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Silent transfer risks ambiguity about who is actually flying.
- C. Waiting for a second command is unnecessary and not part of the standard procedure.
- D. Releasing controls before confirmation could leave the aircraft momentarily uncontrolled.
Positive Exchange of Flight Controls
A standardized verbal and visual procedure ensuring both pilots clearly understand who has control of the aircraft at any given time.
- Captain: 'You have the controls'
- First Officer: 'I have the controls'
- Visual confirmation follows verbal exchange
- Prevents ambiguity during control transfer, per AC 120-71
Memory trick: Say it, confirm it, see it — never assume who's flying