Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

The flight crew of an aircraft primarily consists of the captain and the first officer, commonly referred to as the co-pilot. This crew is responsible for the operation of the airplane during the flight, including navigation, communication, and adherence to safety protocols. The captain has overall responsibility for the aircraft and its crew, while the first officer assists with various tasks and takes over if the captain is unable to continue.

It's important to recognize that while flight attendants are critical for passenger safety and comfort, they are not classified as part of the flight crew in the same sense as the pilots. Ground crew members are responsible for preparing the aircraft for flight and ensuring all pre-flight checks are conducted but do not operate the aircraft during flight. Air traffic controllers work from the ground to manage air traffic and ensure safe takeoffs and landings, but they do not board the aircraft or participate in its operation. Thus, the most accurate answer regarding those who operate the aircraft during flights is the captain and first officer.