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?

[RLM]

Somehow this issue went from what I thought might be a mislabeling of status to dumping and dishwashing issues. Now that’s really stretching the issue of pilot/co-pilot.

Here is what I have gathered from the responses:

· Most of the ladies don’t like driving and the men do. I guess we are the cavemen type. ARGGGGG!!
· The women don’t dump because it’s too “smelly.” Albeit, I would bet that they’ve changed a bunch of diapers in their time.
· One or two have to do “everything.” Which really would sucks unless you look at the silver lining. You get to do it your way.... without advise.
· The right seater is not necessarily the co-pilot, but could be called the navigator, passenger, computer jockey, or helper. I accept that, but you guys might want to refer to my wife as a pilot if you are interested in every reproducing again.

Everyone seems comfortable with his or her position on the team. That’s a real positive.

And finally, DXSMac> Thank you for the gender compliment, but don’t pat me on the back too much. I still think my wife is looking a gift horse in the mouth when she complains about the messes I make when I cook.

[FosterImposters]

So RLM...does your pilot/wife have a handle on this site?