members. Administrative and personnel functions should be delegated to non-aviation department corporation members.


Aircraft management, maintenance management and training organizations can help fill any voids that exist within the aviation department. All of the duties and functions listed for the aviation department manager and chief pilot are valid. However, the level of emphasis assigned to each is a function of the size and duty of the aviation department.


Captain


Captains are responsible for the safe conduct of flights to which they are assigned. Captains report directly to the chief pilot. When assigned to a flight, the captain has the final authority in the operation of the aircraft. Captains must ensure compliance with all Federal, state, local and foreign regulations, as well as the policies and procedures specified in the company operations manual. Captains are the company’s most visible representative to the passengers and must act with tact and decorum while ensuring an efficient and safe operation.


• Acting as pilot in command (PIC) of flights for which the pilot has been scheduled


• Providing excellent customer service to passengers


• Complying with schedules, and other directives governing the aircraft’s operation


• Ensuring that preflight inspections are performed


• Studying weather conditions at destination, enroute, alternate airports and departure points


• Preparing flight plans (unless done by a scheduler or dispatcher)


• Ensuring that the aircraft is clean and prepared for flight with all provisions on board for the safety and comfort of the passengers


• Reviewing and calculating the aircraft weight and balance, fuel on board and performance charts


• Using checklists


• Supervising the first officer (second in command) in any duties necessary for the smooth, safe and efficient operation of the aircraft


• Coordinating the functioning of all crewmembers assigned to the flight


• Monitoring crew performance, sharing knowledge with crewmembers and evaluating crewmember potential for advancement


• Making decisions necessary to start, delay, or cancel flights and deviate the flight from planned route or destination when operating conditions dictate


First Officer (Copilot)


The first officer reports to the chief pilot and is responsible to the captain of the flight for the conduct and execution of


assigned duties.


• Assisting the captain with discharging safety responsibilities


• Providing excellent customer service to passengers


• Performing duties as assigned during flight preparation and in flight


• Being prepared to assume the duties of the pilot in command in the event the pilot in command is incapacitated


• Being familiar with and following all FARs and company policies pertinent to assigned duties


In addition, another flightcrew member, such as a flight engineer, may be assigned to duty in an aircraft during flight time.


Lead Flight Attendant or Flight Attendant Manager/ Supervisor


The lead flight attendant or flight attendant manager/ supervisor should ensure currency with all training required by the FAA and company flight operations manual, retaining these records for inspection. This role also should ensure compliance with all standards set forth in the company’s flight operations manual.


The lead flight attendant typically reports to the aviation department manager/director of aviation or chief pilot.


• Performing duties as assigned by supervisor


• Maintaining training qualifications for flight operation applicable regulatory and safety management system requirements, including annual emergency procedures training


• Maintaining proficiency in procedures for handling inflight medical emergencies


• Providing excellent customer service to passengers


• Establishing and maintaining a flight attendant manual to be included in the flight operations manual


• Establishing and maintaining processes and procedures


• Establishing a confidential crew and passenger profile for catering and pre-existing medical conditions


• Facilitating and ensuring clear communication between flight attendants and other members of the flight department


• Establishing vendor relationships for the purpose of training and service


• Establishing guidelines for and facilitating the hiring, managing and training of flight attendants


• Managing a budget for catering and aircraft supplies • Establishing and maintaining a food safety program


• Maintaining the official training records for all flight attendants for regulatory and audit review


• Establishing relationships with other lead flight attendants to use as benchmarking


Aviation Basics 30


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