Chapter 1
Commander’s Authority and Duties
The commander has overall responsibility for the safety of the
aircraft, its occupants and its cargo, and the authority to issue any
commands required to secure this. They have the authority
to increase any safety margin, including aerodrome operating
minima, as he sees fit. In an emergency situation, they have the
authority to override any rule or procedure in the interest of
safety.
They must ensure that:
- All SOPS and checklists are fully complied with.
- The weather will not infringe operating minima and the
required alternates are available.
- Ground facilities and services required for the planned flight
are available and adequate.
- The correct types and quantities of fuel, oil and oxygen are
carried, and uplifts are recorded.
- Crew are briefed with any relevant information.
- The aircraft is airworthy with any unserviceable equipment
compliant with the CDL or MEL and all emergency
equipment easily accessible for immediate use.
- The preflight inspection has been completed, and that all
required documents, maps and charts are onboard and valid.
- No loose articles are present in the flight deck.
- The aircraft is within its weight and balance envelope and
the load is properly secured.
- The available aircraft performance is sufficient for all phases
of the proposed flight.
-
Any person, or any part of the cargo, which may represent a
potential hazard to the safety of the aircraft or its occupants is
disembarked. This includes:
- Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to the
extent that they pose a risk.
- Inadmissible passengers, deportees or persons in
custody if they pose any risk.
- A full safety briefing, including exits and equipment carried, is
given to the passengers.
- Crew members are not permitted to perform any activity during
critical phases of flight except those duties required for the safe
operation of the aircraft.
- A continuous listening watch is maintained on the appropriate
radio frequencies.
- The cabin is secured (passengers secured and cabin baggage
properly stowed) for taxi, take-off, landing and whenever
turbulence is expected.
- The flight data recorder is not disabled, switched off or erased
during flight nor erased after flight in the event of an accident or
an incident subject to mandatory reporting.
- The flight deck door is locked at all times between engine start
and engine shutdown, with the exception of when it must be
opened for physiological reasons.
- The aircraft technical log is completed and all relevant
information is transmitted via ACARS. If ACARS is unavailable,
a journey log must be sent.
- At the end of the duty, the aircraft is handed over to another
commander or a qualified engineer, or it is properly secured.
- A post flight debrief is carried out as deemed appropriate.
- Any manoeuvre in response to airborne collision avoidance
system resolution advisory is reported to the competent
authority.
- Any bird strikes or bird hazards are reported promptly to the
relevant ATS and any bird strike resulting in damage or
malfunction is reported to the competent authority.
- Pilot uniform standards are maintained.
[ eoma 1.4, eoma 2.3.2/3, eoma 8.1 ]