Some "Wiki-peeves"

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(this list is constantly undergoing revision)

-"The Pilot" when used to describe presumably the aircraft commander (Captain). "The Pilot" is incorrect usage as "pilot" is the genric term applied to civilian aircraft officers. Please specify the crewmember (ie Captain, Commander, First Officer, Second Officer, etc). Some correct terms for the above: "Captain" when referring to the aircraft commander/pilot in command of a civil, multi-crew member aircraft. "First Officer" when referring to the second in command of a civil aircraft. "Second Officer" when referring to a Pilot Flight Engineer but NOT a traditional mechanic-flight engineer. It should be noted that some airlines use First Officers for this position. "Commander" when referring to the pilot in command of a military aircraft requiring more than one crew member. "Copilot" when referring to the second in command of a military aircraft and some civil flight organizations (usually corporate operations). "First Pilot" when referring to a military copilot who is able to act as flying pilot. "Relief Pilot" when referring to a non-rank specified relief pilot in extended cruise flights requiring more than the type required amount of pilots.

"the pilot" is acceptable ONLY when referring to the Pilot in Command of an aircraft with only one acting pilot onboard. Even in this instance, the correct term should be Pilot in Command, or Captain in certain cases.