What is the first step when you observe a Captain performing a potentially unsafe action?

• A. Confront the Captain immediately and demand a change
• B. Ignore the action and continue
• C. Ask for clarification and discuss an alternative solution
• D. Delegate the decision to another crew member

Answer: (C)

When safety is on the line in the cockpit, the first move is to speak up in a calm, constructive way to get clarity and propose a safer alternative. Asking for clarification and discussing a different approach invites the captain to review the action without creating friction, and it shows you’re prioritizing safety while respecting the captain’s authority. This kind of open, collaborative communication is a core part of crew resource management and helps prevent misinterpretations or risky steps from going unaddressed.

Confronting the captain right away can put them on the defensive and heighten tension, which isn’t helpful in a time-sensitive situation. Ignoring the action isn’t acceptable because it risks a safety lapse. Delegating the decision to another crew member bypasses the captain’s authority and still leaves the issue unresolved.