Who holds final authority over the operation of an aircraft?

The Pilot in Command (PIC) holds final authority over the operation of an aircraft. This individual is responsible for the safety and control of the flight, making critical decisions regarding the aircraft's operation, including takeoff, navigation, and landing. The PIC ensures compliance with all regulations, and is ultimately accountable for the well-being of the crew and passengers onboard. This authority is established in the Federal Aviation Regulations, specifically under FAR 91.3, which grants the pilot the prerogative to act in the best interest of safety during all phases of flight.

While other roles such as flight attendants, flight engineers, and crew chiefs contribute significantly to the operation and safety of the flight, they do not possess the same level of authority or responsibility for the aircraft's overall operation. The flight attendant focuses on cabin safety and passenger service, the flight engineer (where applicable) assists with systems management, and the crew chief oversees maintenance and ground operations. However, it is the Pilot in Command who has the ultimate authority and responsibility in the air.