During takeoff, approach, and landing, cockpit crews stay actively engaged to control and monitor aircraft systems.

Why the Cockpit Keeps a Steady Hand in the Critical Moments

Takeoff, approach, and landing aren’t just the glamorous parts of a flight. They’re the moments when the airplane asks for the crew’s full attention, and the SkyWest ERJ cockpit is designed to answer with precision, teamwork, and steady nerves. The short version of the question is simple: during these critical phases, who’s doing what? The answer isn’t a guess. It’s a practiced rhythm: the crew is responsible for active control and close monitoring of the aircraft systems. Let me unpack what that means in real terms.

What counts as “critical phases,” anyway?

Think of a flight as a story with key plot twists. The opening act is takeoff: everything—from airspeed to engine performance to aircraft configuration—needs to line up just so. Then we move into initial climb and the transition to cruise, where many systems settle into their lanes. The final act is the approach and landing, where precision isn’t optional and margins can tighten in a heartbeat. Each of these phases brings higher workload, more urgency, and more opportunities for small issues to grow if they’re not caught early.

Active control and close monitoring aren’t flashy so much as essential

Active control means the pilots aren’t just watching from the sideline. They are hands-on with the flight path: managing the yoke or sidestick, adjusting thrust, and tuning the flight director or autopilot as needed. It also means making fast, informed decisions when automation flags something off. Close monitoring isn’t passive watching either. It’s a continuous read of the instrumentation—air data, engine parameters, electrical and hydraulic status, avionics performance, and flight control surfaces. It’s the mental habit of asking, every few seconds: Is the airplane behaving as expected? Are the alarms telling the truth? Is the configuration correct for the next maneuver?

On the ERJ, as in many regional jets, the cockpit is packed with indicators and cues that demand vigilance

Two pilots share inputs and checks, but the responsibility isn’t about who’s “in charge” all the time. It’s a shared discipline. One pilot flies (PF) while the other monitors (PM); they switch as needed. They call out critical items so nothing slips through the cracks, and they cross-check each other’s work. The environment rewards clarity, not silence. The crew relies on standardized phrases, clear handoffs, and a calm, methodical approach to every action.

During critical phases, there’s no room for complacency

Think about the moment you hear “V1,” or when you’re deciding whether to retract the landing gear or adjust flaps. Those decisions ripple through the rest of the flight. If a parameter stacks up that doesn’t look right—an abnormal fuel balance, an engine reading that’s off, a nav display that doesn’t agree with the flight plan—the crew doesn’t shrug. They troubleshoot. They re-check, re-trim, and if needed, reconfigure the flight path. That proactive mindset is not about being busy for the sake of it; it’s about keeping the airplane in the safest envelope possible.

How does the crew combine control with monitoring in practice?

Think of it as a constant duet. The PF is busy shaping the flight path, keeping the airplane on the desired track, adjusting pitch and power as needed. The PM keeps a steady eye on systems, alerts, and the bigger picture—air traffic coordination, weather threats, and the possible need to detour. They talk through what they’re seeing, confirm together, and move forward with a plan. It’s not about one person micromanaging everything; it’s about a tight, continuous exchange where each person’s strengths complement the other’s.

This is where automation becomes a partner, not a crutch

Autopilots and flight management systems do a lot of heavy lifting, especially during busy moments. But even the most sophisticated automation needs a human touch. The crew remains ready to fly manually if the situation demands it. They’re quick to verify that automation is doing what it’s supposed to do, and they’re equally quick to intervene when it isn’t. This balance—trust in automation paired with direct, hands-on control when necessary—is the quiet core of safe operations in the ERJ cockpit.

What about the non-technical parts of the job?

Yes, the numbers and the controls matter, but so does communication. The cockpit is a small team, and every action is accompanied by a clear, concise exchange. Callouts like “airspeed alive,” “altitude set,” or “flaps up” aren’t window dressing—they’re essential cues that keep everyone aligned. The sterile cockpit rule still matters in critical phases, meaning conversations stay focused on flight safety and operational tasks. You’ll hear a lot of brief, efficient exchanges that feel almost musical in their cadence, a rhythm built from countless hours of real-world flying.

Why this matters for SkyWest ERJ crews and the CQ/KV framework

The heart of SkyWest ERJ operations rests on a simple truth: in the cockpit, you’re always aiming for precision under pressure. The CQ (Cockpit Qualification) and KV (Knowledge Validation) themes reflect that same idea—being grounded in solid system knowledge and proven procedures while staying adaptable in the moment. The role of the crew during critical phases is a perfect case study in that balance. You need to know the aircraft inside out, you need to stay composed, and you need to work together to keep the airplane in the safest possible state.

A few practical reminders that help make this real

• Develop a mental model of the phase. Before takeoff, know the expected configuration and normal parameter ranges. Before landing, have the approach plan ready, including what you’ll do if the weather or traffic forces a contingency.

• Master the checklists and callouts. They’re not chores; they’re safety nets that keep everyone on the same page, especially when tension rises.

• Practice scanning. Your eyes should sweep a few critical indicators in sequence, then cycle back to confirm. It’s a habit that saves you in a pinch.

• Respect the limits of automation. When something goes off-nominal, you should be prepared to take the wheel (figuratively and literally) and guide the airplane back to a safe state.

• Communicate with ATC and your crew. Clear, timely coordination prevents missteps and lets the whole crew stay focused on the airplane.

A small, honest tangent about the human element

Flight, at its core, is a human endeavor as much as a mechanical one. The ERJ crew’s job during critical phases isn’t just about what the machine tells you; it’s about how you respond when the unexpected shows up. Weather quirks, a sudden gust, or a late-arriving air traffic sequence can nudge decisions. That’s where your training—the CQ and KV knowledge—meets real life. It’s the reassurance that you’ve built a mental toolbox you can rely on when the sky feels loud and busy.

If you’re picturing the cockpit during those moments, picture calm, disciplined teamwork with a splash of decisive action. The pilots aren’t playing a spectator role; they’re the active conductor of a complex instrument. Every lever you move, every display you monitor, every line you call out, all contribute to a singular goal: getting the airplane through critical phases with safety and efficiency intact.

Closing thought: consistency over bravado

There’s a reason this role is drilled into every SkyWest ERJ crew member from the first simulator session. It’s not about speed or bravado; it’s about consistency under pressure. The aircraft must remain controllable, the systems must stay within expected envelopes, and the crew must stay in sync. When you hear that the crew is responsible for active control and close monitoring of the aircraft systems, you’re hearing a succinct summary of what makes safe flight possible in those high-stakes moments. It’s the quiet confidence behind every safe landing, the steady pulse that keeps passengers calm, and the practical truth that good pilots don’t just fly—their vigilance guides the flight from start to finish.