Who can authorize a flight without a flight recorder?

Who can authorize a flight without a flight recorder?

• A. Commanding Officer
• B. Pilot in Command
• C. Co-pilot
• D. Flight engineer

Answer: (A)

Having the authority to authorize flying without a flight recorder rests with the person who has overall airworthiness and mission clearance for the aircraft—the Commanding Officer. Flight recorders are mandated equipment, so any decision to operate without them isn’t made by the flight crew alone. The Pilot in Command is responsible for safe operation within approved configurations, but he cannot unilaterally waive mandatory equipment requirements. The co-pilot and the flight engineer assist and monitor, but they do not have the authority to grant waivers for equipment that is required by regulations. Therefore, the Commanding Officer is the proper authority to authorize such a flight.

Having the authority to authorize flying without a flight recorder rests with the person who has overall airworthiness and mission clearance for the aircraft—the Commanding Officer. Flight recorders are mandated equipment, so any decision to operate without them isn’t made by the flight crew alone. The Pilot in Command is responsible for safe operation within approved configurations, but he cannot unilaterally waive mandatory equipment requirements. The co-pilot and the flight engineer assist and monitor, but they do not have the authority to grant waivers for equipment that is required by regulations. Therefore, the Commanding Officer is the proper authority to authorize such a flight.