[imglorp]

In addition to training etc, yes there are positives to having a certificated third person for "crew resource management". They are expected to observe and speak up if the PIC and SIC miss something, and to help in an emergency. In UA232 for example, a third pilot was instrumental in saving lives; it took six hands to make the airport.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Airlines_Flight_232

[mattpallissard]

That's a helluva read.