Co-pilots Options

[RLM]

Recently, I was reading a RV magazine wherein they used the term “co-pilot” for a female spouse. I have heard it used a dozen times before and I realize it’s a standard term used for some time. However, I thing it is used more likely by the senior generation of RVers who have been indoctrinated and have accepted the term.

Albeit, I have a few of my own gendered prejudices, I never have liked what is perhaps a male chauvinist tag and my wife dislikes it even more since she is perfectly capable of driving and operating every aspect of the rig. On more than one occasion, she has reminded me that the bus gets much better fuel economy if I first raise the leveling jacks. It’s those types of co-operator functions that make us a team, not pilot and co-pilot.

Does being the pilot mean that the male driver is always in charge and gets to give the orders or does it mean that he gets all the blame for screwing up? In the aviation industry the two up front are the Captain and First Officer. Obviously, the Captain is first on the blame line, but his duty title is earned from many more years of experience than that of the FO. Since we typically purchase a RV as a family and start the learning curve at the same time, aviation hierarchy doesn’t necessarily apply.

Now if the ladies who read my post prefer just to hold the map and tune the radios as a co-pilot, that’s ok. However, I’d like to have another term for my partner and equal team member that reflects her skills and contributions in operating our rig. Anyone have a suggestion?

[Butch]

Having been in the auto/truck/bus business as a mechanic and later as a parts dept. person, we always refered to the right side as the passenger side. The term "co-pilot" to us refers to the right side of the motor home, and not to the person in the seat. The wife has not objected when the term is used to refer to her. I'm very sure that if she objected, she would have voiced her opinion loud and clear. We have taken safe driving courses, and she has taken a driving class, and road test for the operation of motor homes. She has driven ours', with toad, and does a good job. Upon arrival at the Rv site, we both work together to off load the vehicle from the tow dolly, then normally she handles the interior, while I take care of the outside duties. We both can do all the duties, in and out if the need does arise.