---
title: "Pilot-in-command (PIC) — EASA Definition · Avioverse"
description: "Annex I — Definitions for terms used in Annexes II to IX, Regulation (EU) No 965/2012: ‘pilot-in-command (PIC)’ means the pilot designated as being in…"
url: "https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/pilot-in-command"
---

# pilot-in-command (PIC)

EASA defines “pilot-in-command (PIC)” in 3 regulations, worded for each regulation's scope. The wording below is reproduced verbatim from the EASA Easy Access Rules, with a link to the paragraph it comes from.

> ‘pilot-in-command (PIC)’ means the pilot designated as being in command and charged with the safe conduct of the flight; for the purpose of commercial air transport operations with aeroplanes and helicopters, the ‘pilot-in-command’ shall be termed ‘commander’;

Annex I — Definitions for terms used in Annexes II to IX · Air Operations · Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · Easy Access Rules, 27 Mar 2026 revision · [Read the article](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/air-ops/definitions/powers-and-recitals#annex-i-definitions-for-terms-used-in-annexes-ii-to-ix)

> ‘pilot-in-command’ means the pilot designated by the operator, or in the case of general aviation, the owner, as being in command and charged with the safe conduct of a flight;
>
> 100a. ‘pre-flight phase’ means the period from the first submission of a flight plan until the first air traffic control clearance is delivered;

Article 2 · Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA) · Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 · Easy Access Rules, 26 Aug 2025 revision · [Read Article 2](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/sera/cover-regulation/powers-and-recital#article-2)

> "Pilot-in-command" (PIC) means the pilot designated as being in command and charged with the safe conduct of the flight.

FCL.010 · Aircrew · Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · Easy Access Rules, 25 Nov 2025 revision · [Read FCL.010](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/aircrew/part-fcl/subpart-a#fcl-010)

## Defined in the same article

- [accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/accelerate-stop-distance-available)
- [acceptable means of compliance (AMC)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/acceptable-means-of-compliance)
- [acceptance checklist](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/acceptance-checklist)
- [Accessible](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/accessible)
- [accuracy](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/accuracy)
- [adequate aerodrome](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/adequate-aerodrome)
- [adequate vertiport](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/adequate-vertiport)
- [adult](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/adult)