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.

Aviation Roles

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 Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), and controller responsibilities are in 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 Airmen, 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.
  • Reinforce your understanding of Aviation Roles by completing the knowledge quiz and interactive scenario, comparing your performance with the applicable Airman Certification Standards, and reviewing the topic summary before moving on.
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Aviation Roles

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.
Aviation Roles

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 (Air Traffic Control) 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 (Federal Aviation Regulations) 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:
  • The PIC should verify that any required safety pilot is appropriately qualified and prepared to perform that role.
Aviation Roles

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
    • Determine the required flightcrew from the aircraft’s type certificate data sheet, approved aircraft flight manual limitations, and applicable operating rules; a training endorsement does not independently relieve a pilot from a regulatory minimum-crew requirement.
  • Certification is governed by FAR 61.55.
  • See also: Obtaining an SIC Type Rating.
Aviation Roles

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
Aviation Roles

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
Aviation Roles

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 third priority to additional services to the maximum extent possible.
Aviation Roles

Aviation Mechanic Technician

  • Understanding Owner/Mechanic Roles and Responsibilities
  • Aviation maintenance technicians are commonly referred to as aircraft mechanics.
  • Ratings include Airframe (A), Powerplant (P), and both (A&P)
Aviation Roles

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 Roles

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
Aviation Roles

Safety Pilot

  • During simulated instrument flight under FAR 91.109(c), a qualified safety pilot is required while the manipulating pilot's view is limited by a view-limiting device. This requirement should not be confused with operations in actual instrument conditions.
  • The safety pilot must occupy the other control seat, hold at least a private pilot certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft, have adequate forward and side vision, and meet the medical-qualification requirements applicable to the role. A pilot relying on BasicMed must satisfy all current BasicMed conditions and limitations [§ 61.3(c), § 61.51, and § 91.109].
  • The pilot operating under simulated instrument conditions must also log the name of the safety pilot
Aviation Roles

Aviation Roles Interactive Scenario

General aviation aircraft representing coordinated aviation roles and responsibilities.

Who Is Responsible in N739KT?

Assign and manage PIC, instructor, safety-pilot, ATC, mechanic, medical examiner, and airport roles during a flight review and simulated-instrument cross-country with changing duties. Abbreviations used in this scenario: Certified Flight Instructor (CFI); Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).

15 DecisionsScenario-Based TrainingOperational ResponsibilityConsequence-BasedRetry and Debrief
Decision 1
0%

Scenario Complete

Aviation Roles

Aviation Roles Knowledge Check

Choose the knowledge check that matches your current training for Aviation Roles.

Private Pilot quiz illustration 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

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

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

Aviation Roles References