Aviation Roles
Aviation is a combined effort of various people serving in several different roles from the Pilot-In-Command to the Air Traffic Controller.
Introduction to Aviation Roles
- Everyone has a role to play in aviation
- Responsibilities overlap in many instances
- Where this occurs, it is expected that both parties fulfill their responsibilities
- Common parties include:
- Other parties include:
- The roles and responsibilities of the pilot and controller for effective participation in the ATC system are contained in several documents. Pilot responsibilities are in the CFRs, and the air traffic controllers are in the FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, and supplemental FAA directives. Additional and supplemental information for pilots can be found in the current Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Notices to Air Missions, Advisory Circulars, and aeronautical charts. Since there are many other excellent publications produced by non-government organizations, as well as other government organizations, with various updating cycles, questions concerning the latest or most current material can be resolved by cross-checking with the above-mentioned documents
- Test your understanding of Aviation Roles by completing the knowledge quiz, applying your knowledge in the interactive scenario, comparing your performance against the applicable Airman Certification Standards, and concluding with the topic summary to reinforce the key concepts before moving on to the next lesson.
Aviation Roles Key Highlights
- Aviation roles define the responsibilities, authority, and operational functions of individuals involved in aviation activities.
- Common aviation roles include pilot in command, second in command, flight instructor, air traffic controller, mechanic, dispatcher, and remote pilot.
- Each aviation role carries specific regulatory responsibilities, training requirements, and operational authority under FAA regulations.
- The pilot in command holds final authority and responsibility for aircraft operation, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Flight instructors provide training, endorsements, proficiency evaluations, and aeronautical guidance to pilot applicants and certificated pilots.
- Air traffic controllers manage aircraft separation, traffic flow, and communication support within the National Airspace System.
- Maintenance personnel are responsible for aircraft inspections, repairs, airworthiness compliance, and maintenance documentation.
- Effective communication, coordination, and professionalism between aviation roles improve operational efficiency and safety.
- Human factors, workload management, and decision-making influence performance across all aviation operational roles.
- Understanding aviation roles improves regulatory awareness, operational coordination, and overall flight safety.
Pilot-In-Command
- The Pilot-In-Command, or PIC, of an aircraft, is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to the safe operation of that aircraft.
- Therefore, there shall only be one acting pilot-in-command at any given time
- In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule of this part to the extent required to meet that emergency.
- Each pilot in command who deviates from a rule as stated above shall, upon the request of the Administrator, send a written report of that deviation to the Administrator.
- No person may operate an aircraft that is type certificated for more than one required pilot flight crewmember unless the pilot in command meets the requirements of FAR 61.58.
- No person may assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with a crewmember in the performance of the crewmember's duties aboard an aircraft being operated
- The decision to abandon aircraft should be tempered by the pilot's responsibility for the safety of lives that may be endangered by a subsequent flight of a pilotless but controllable aircraft
- It is the responsibility of the pilot/crew to aviate, navigate, and communicate, in that priority, throughout all aspects of both routine and unusual circumstances
- Note that ATC isn't as much as mentioned
- You can deviate from any regulation necessary to meet the extent of an emergency, but you may be asked to explain why
- You cannot deviate from any regulation without appropriate reason, and ATC cannot clear you to do so
- Required pilot flight crewmembers, when exercising the privileges of that pilot certificate or authorization, must have the applicable document in their physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft:
- A pilot certificate appropriate to the operation.
- A special purpose pilot authorization issued under FAR 61.77, if applicable;
- A temporary certificate issued under FAR 61.17, if applicable;
- A document conveying temporary authority to exercise certificate privileges issued by the Airmen Certification Branch under FAR 61.29(e), if applicable; or.
- When operating an aircraft within a foreign country, a pilot license issued by that country may be used.
- An acceptable photo identification in the person's physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft:
- A driver's license issued by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory or possession;
- A government identification card issued by the federal government, a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory or possession;
- A U.S. Armed Forces identification card;
- An official passport;
- A credential authorizing unescorted access to an airport security identification display area; or
- Another form of identification acceptable to the Administrator.
- Unless an exception in FAR 61.3(c)(2) applies, the appropriate Part 67 medical certificate or other FAA-acceptable medical-qualification documentation in the person's physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft. Qualifying operations may use an authorized alternative medical qualification, including sport-pilot medical eligibility or BasicMed.
- Pilots-in-command are required to:
- Maintain their currency.
- Determine their and their passenger's fitness for flight.
- Familiarize themselves with information pertaining to the flight.
- Notify and brief passengers on seat-belts and restraints as well as their use.
- Determine an aircraft's airworthiness per the intended operation.
- Ensure a passenger briefing is properly conducted.
- The PIC should verify safety pilots if required, are appropriately experienced to perform that role
Second-In-Command (SIC)
- Airplanes that require at least two pilots, either by type certification or operation, require someone to fly as Second in Command
- Certification is governed by FAR 61.55.
- See also: Obtaining an SIC Type Rating.
Remote Pilot-In-Command
- No person may operate a civil small unmanned aircraft system unless it is in a condition for safe operation. Before each flight, the remote pilot in command must check the small unmanned aircraft system to determine whether it is in a condition for safe operation
- No person may continue flight of the small unmanned aircraft when they know or have reason to know that the small unmanned aircraft system is no longer in a condition for safe operation
Flight Instructor
- A flight instructor's role is to facilitate learning while maintaining a safe training environment
- Instructors should allow learners to make and correct manageable errors, but intervene before the safety margin erodes or recovery becomes uncertain
Air Traffic Controller
- Responsible for giving first priority to the separation of aircraft and to the issuance of radar safety alerts, second priority to other services that are required but do not involve separation, and the third to additional services to the maximum extent possible
Aviation Mechanic Technician
- Aviation maintenance technicians are commonly referred to as aircraft mechanics.
- Ratings include Airframe (A), Powerplant (P), and both (A&P)
Airport Manager
- An airport manager is responsible for a given airfield
- Should be contacted for more information regarding the airfield and to report any possible hazards
Aviation Medical Examiner
- Aviation Medical Examiners, or AMEs, are approved medical professionals who may clear a pilot for flight in the form of a medical certificate.
- An applicant may search for an AME online or by contacting the Manager of the Aerospace Medical Education Division, P.O. Box 26200, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125
Safety Pilot
- A safety pilot is required whenever the pilot flying cannot meet see-and-avoid requirements, such as during simulated instrument conditions with a view-limiting device
- A safety pilot must occupy the other control seat, be appropriately rated in the category and class of aircraft flown, and satisfy the applicable medical qualification by holding the required medical certificate or meeting BasicMed requirements [§ 61.3(c), § 61.51, § 61.57(c), and § 91.109].
- The FAA's Rizner (1991) Legal Interpretation expands upon safety-pilot qualifications:
- A safety pilot serving as second in command under simulated instrument conditions must hold at least a private pilot certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft; an endorsement required only to act as pilot in command, such as a high-performance endorsement, is not required merely to serve as safety pilot.
- The FAA nevertheless encourages a safety pilot to be thoroughly familiar and current in the aircraft being used.
- The pilot operating under simulated instrument conditions must also log the name of the safety pilot
Aviation Roles Interactive Scenario
Interactive Scenario
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Aviation Roles Knowledge Check
Choose the knowledge check that matches your current training for Aviation Roles.
Private Pilot
PPL knowledge check
Core Knowledge Review
Review foundational knowledge, key concepts, and practical considerations. Topic: Aviation Roles.
- Immediate feedback
- Answer explanations
- Account progress tracking
Commercial Pilot
CPL knowledge check
Advanced Application
Apply knowledge to advanced operations, risk management, and aeronautical decision-making. Topic: Aviation Roles.
- Immediate feedback
- Answer explanations
- Account progress tracking
Why Take a Quiz?
Quizzes reinforce key concepts, identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence for real-world decisions. Quiz material is representative of the information provided here and is not based on or sourced from the Federal Aviation Administration test bank.
Aviation Roles Conclusion
- To maintain a safe and efficient air traffic system, each party must fulfill their responsibilities to the fullest
- The responsibilities of the pilot and the controller intentionally overlap in many areas, providing a degree of redundancy.
- Should one or the other fail in any manner, this overlapping responsibility is expected to compensate, in many cases, for failures that may affect safety.
- When it comes to the role of the PIC, note that you are responsible for the safe operation, especially in an emergency; ATC is not the PIC, and the PIC should not accept instructions that interfere with safe operations
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Aviation Roles References
- Aeronautical Information Manual (5-5-1) General.
- Aeronautical Information Manual (6-1-1) Pilot Responsibility and Authority.
- Airframe and Powerplant.com.
- CFI Notebook.net - Emergency Procedures.
- Federal Aviation Administration InFo (15012) Logging Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP).
- Federal Aviation Administration - Pilot/Controller Glossary.
- Understanding Owner and Mechanic Roles and Responsibilities.
- Federal Aviation Regulations (61.58) Pilot in command of aircraft requiring more than one required pilot.
- Federal Aviation Regulations (91.3) Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command.
- Federal Aviation Regulations (91.5) Pilot in command of aircraft requiring more than one required pilot.
- Federal Aviation Regulations (91.11) Prohibition on interference with crew-members.
- Global Air - Pilots: Are You Forgetting These Preflight Tasks.