Which of the following is NOT an approved person on the Flight Deck during flight?

The rationale behind identifying a passenger on board as not an approved person on the flight deck during flight lies in safety and regulatory protocols established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During flight operations, access to the flight deck is strictly controlled to maintain security and the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.

Crew members, FAA air carrier inspectors, and individuals authorized by the pilot in command are permitted in the flight deck because they have specific roles, responsibilities, or permissions that align with the requirements of safe flight operations. Crew members are trained personnel who manage flight systems and ensure adherence to operational procedures. FAA inspectors have the authority to conduct oversight and ensure compliance with aviation regulations, while the pilot in command can authorize individuals to enter the cockpit under particular circumstances.

In contrast, passengers do not have the training or clearance to be in the flight deck, which could pose risks to operational integrity and safety. Therefore, while specific individuals associated with the flight operations have access to the flight deck, passengers do not fall into that category, underscoring the importance of controlled access for safety reasons.