Training and Safety Tip: I’ve got it, you’ve got it, who’s got it?

Training manuals discuss this issue and usually recommend what is thought to be a no-fail way to handle things when an instructor feels the need to take over the controls or a student becomes overwhelmed and wants the instructor to make things right.

Outside of the training realm, flight crews also must have a positive transfer of control that both pilots understand. These transfers happen routinely during flight when an approach is briefed or simply when a pilot wants to adjust the seat.

Standard operating procedures, or SOPs, at airlines spell out what the flight crews are expected to say when one pilot gives control to another. The exact wording is unimportant, but standardization is vital. There should be no mistakes or second-guessing regarding who is flying.

You can see how this phraseology can lead to mistakes and lapses in safety. For example, air traffic control calls out traffic to you both at 12 o’clock and 2 miles. Your instructor says, “I’ve got it,” and you let go of the controls right after you trimmed the elevator improperly.

The current best guess on a safe and positive transfer of controls involves using the phrase, “I have the airplane” or “I have the controls.” The person giving up control would say, “You have the airplane” or “You have the controls.” Whatever is said to transfer controls must be simple and agreed upon so there is no confusion.

Nonverbal cues should be agreed to as well. In the old days, the instructor might slam the stick back and forth on the student’s knees to signal that they wanted control. I have relied on a firm punch in my student’s arm if the verbal cues did not work during such things as spin recoveries.

Who’s got it? Somebody should have it, and with clear communication, someone will always be in control.