IAM.GEN.VCA.105 Responsibilities of the pilot-in-command (PIC)

INITIATION (COMMENCEMENT) OF FLIGHT The PIC should only commence a flight provided the PIC is satisfied that:

(a)the instruments and equipment required for the execution of the particular flight are installed in the VCA and are operative, unless operation with inoperative equipment is permitted by the minimum equipment list (MEL) or equivalent document;

(b)the mass of the VCA and the centre of gravity (CG) location are such that the flight can be conducted within the limits prescribed in the airworthiness documentation;

(c)all baggage and cargo are properly onloaded and secured;

(d)the VCA operating limitations as specified in the VCA flight manual (AFM) will not be exceeded at any time during the flight;

(e)the PIC and other crew members under the PIC’s authority are properly rated and meet competency and recency requirements;

(f)the crew members under the PIC’s authority are not incapacitated by any cause such as injury, sickness, fatigue or the effects of any psychoactive substance and are able to perform their duties;

(g)any navigational database required for the flight is suitable and current.

AUTHORITY OF THE PIC The operator should ensure that the PIC has the authority to:

(a)disembark any person, or offload any part of the cargo, that may represent a potential hazard to the safety of the VCA or its occupants;

(b)not allow a person to be carried in the VCA who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that the safety of the VCA or its occupants is likely to be endangered;

(c)refuse transportation of inadmissible passengers, deportees or persons in custody if their carriage increases the risk to the safety of the VCA or its occupants.

PRESERVATION OF FLIGHT RECORDER RECORDINGS The PIC should ensure that in the event of an occurrence that is subject to reporting in accordance with point ORO.GEN.160(a), or if the preservation of recordings of the flight recorder is directed by the investigating authority:

(a)the recordings of the flight recorder are not intentionally erased; and

(b)precautionary measures to preserve the recordings of the flight recorder are taken before leaving the VCA.

BIRD HAZARD AND BIRD STRIKE

(a)Whenever a potential bird hazard is observed, the PIC should inform the appropriate ATS unit as soon as his or her workload allows.

(b)In case of a bird strike that results in significant damage to the VCA or the loss or malfunction of any essential service, the PIC should submit a written bird strike report to the competent authority after landing in accordance with point ORO.GEN.160.

MEANING OF ‘ENSURE’ The verb ‘ensure’ in the context of PIC responsibilities means that the PIC should make every reasonable endeavour to obtain the required result, either directly or through another person that is under the PIC’s authority.

ACCEPTANCE OF THE VCA WITH UNSERVICEABILITY The acceptance of the VCA with unserviceability in accordance with the configuration deviation list (CDL) or the minimum equipment list (MEL) and the VCA technical logbook may be supported by maintenance or other personnel, if properly licensed.