In an in-flight emergency, who may deviate from any FAR?

In an in-flight emergency, the Pilot in Command (PIC) is granted the authority to deviate from any Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) as necessary to respond to the situation at hand. This regulation is crucial because it allows the PIC to prioritize the safety of the aircraft and its occupants, even if that means temporarily disregarding standard operating procedures or regulations. The PIC's extensive training and experience equip them to make critical decisions quickly during emergencies, making it essential that they have this flexibility to act in the best interest of safety.

While other personnel, such as the co-pilot or flight attendant, play vital roles during an emergency, it is ultimately the PIC who holds the legal responsibility for the aircraft and its operation. The authority to deviate from FARs is specifically designed to confer this level of decision-making power to the PIC, allowing for prompt and efficient actions that may be necessary to manage the emergency effectively.