This glossary is written for virtual airline and flight simulation use within Virtual Air Canada Airline. It is not intended as a real-world aviation reference.
PM
Pilot Monitoring
Pilot Monitoring is the crew member who supports the Pilot Flying by actively monitoring all aircraft systems, instruments, communications, and checklists during flight. The PM role was formerly referred to as Pilot Not Flying (PNF), but the term Pilot Monitoring was adopted by ICAO and most airlines to better reflect the active, critical nature of the function. The PM is not passive - this role requires continuous cross-checking of aircraft performance, ATC communications, fuel state, and system status, and proactively calling out deviations.
Key PM responsibilities include reading checklists and verifying PF responses, handling radio communications with ATC, monitoring altitudes and speed targets, operating secondary systems (transponder, weather radar, lighting), making standard callouts at defined triggers (V1, rotate, 1,000 ft, 100 ft), and challenging the PF if a flight parameter deviates beyond established limits. The PM is also the crew member who initiates abnormal and emergency procedures using the QRH while the PF maintains aircraft control. Effective PM technique is a cornerstone of crew resource management and significantly reduces the risk of controlled flight into terrain and other accidents.