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:

1. All SOPS and checklists are fully complied with.
2. The weather will not infringe operating minima and the required alternates are available.
3. Ground facilities and services required for the planned flight are available and adequate.
4. The correct types and quantities of fuel, oil and oxygen are carried, and uplifts are recorded.
5. Crew are briefed with any relevant information.
6. The aircraft is airworthy with any unserviceable equipment compliant with the CDL or MEL and all emergency equipment easily accessible for immediate use.
7. The preflight inspection has been completed, and that all required documents, maps and charts are onboard and valid.
8. No loose articles are present in the flight deck.
9. The aircraft is within its weight and balance envelope and the load is properly secured.
10. The available aircraft performance is sufficient for all phases of the proposed flight.

11. 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.
12. A full safety briefing, including exits and equipment carried, is given to the passengers.
13. 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.
14. A continuous listening watch is maintained on the appropriate radio frequencies.
15. The cabin is secured (passengers secured and cabin baggage properly stowed) for taxi, take-off, landing and whenever turbulence is expected.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. The aircraft technical log is completed and all relevant information is transmitted via ACARS. If ACARS is unavailable, a journey log must be sent.
19. At the end of the duty, the aircraft is handed over to another commander or a qualified engineer, or it is properly secured.
20. A post flight debrief is carried out as deemed appropriate.
21. Any manoeuvre in response to airborne collision avoidance system resolution advisory is reported to the competent authority.
22. 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.
23. Pilot uniform standards are maintained.

[ eoma 1.4, eoma 2.3.2/3, eoma 8.1 ]