Chapter 2. Flight Authorization and Clearance Flashcards
Pilot-in-Command Responsibilities
The PIC is responsible for the professional, safe, orderly, efficient and effective performance of the aircraft, aircrew and passengers during the entire mission, whether it is a single sortie from home station or many sorties while deployed away from home station. This responsibility exists from the time the PIC first enters the aircraft with intent for flight, until leaving it upon completion of the mission.
Pilot-in-Command Authority
To carry out this responsibility, the PIC has the authority to direct all aircraft and aircrew activities during the mission, including periods between sorties. The PIC has flight clearance authority as described in this Chapter as well as the authority to modify planned missions to provide for the safety of the crew and the airframe.
It is imperative that all members of the flight crew be aware of the PIC’s identity and authority. The successful completion of the mission or the safety of the crew and aircraft may be jeopardized if any crewmember doesn’t know who is in command or fails to recognize the PIC’s authority and act accordingly.
Delay of Missions
The final decision to delay a mission may be made by either the Commanding Officer or PIC when, in the opinion of either individual, conditions are not safe to start or continue a mission.
Final responsibility for the safe conduct of the mission rests with the PIC. If the assigned PIC refuses a mission, it will not depart until that PIC is satisfied that conditions have improved or such necessary corrective actions have been taken that the mission can proceed safely. Another PIC and crew shall not be assigned to take the same mission under the same conditions without the specific approval of the Commanding Officer of the aviation unit to which the PIC is assigned. This authority may not be delegated. Due consideration must be given to the urgency of the mission and the new crew’s ability to proceed safely on the mission under the existing conditions before a change in PIC and crew may be approved.
Clearance for Malfunctioning or Damaged Aircraft.
If a precautionary landing is made away from home station for observed or suspected aircraft malfunctions or damage, the PIC shall ensure that a proper inspection of the aircraft is conducted by competent maintenance personnel and the results reported to the home station’s engineering officer or other qualified maintenance officer.
Further flight without the approval of the appropriate clearance authority, as given in Paragraph 2.F.3.a and Paragraph 2.F.3.b, is prohibited.
Minor Malfunctions and Nonstructural or Cosmetic Damage.
If the engineering officer or other qualified maintenance officer has evaluated the reported malfunction to be minor and not a threat to the safety of the crew or aircraft, the Commanding Officer is authorized to clear the aircraft for further flight. If the aircraft has been damaged and the engineering officer or other qualified maintenance officer has evaluated the damage to be nonstructural or cosmetic, the Commanding Officer may clear the aircraft for further flight.
Only in the most unusual circumstances should the aircraft be cleared for further flight without the specific approval of the Commanding Officer.
Major Malfunctions and Actual or Suspected Structural Damage.
If a major malfunction or structural damage is found or suspected and further flight is required, the Commanding Officer or his/her representative shall brief Commandant (CG-711) and Commandant (CG-41) on the extent of the damage and recommended action. Commandant (CG-711), with technical concurrence from Commandant (CG-41), will be the clearance authority for further flights of aircraft with actual or suspected structural damage or major malfunction.
