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New Zealand law explained for everyone

Civil Aviation Act 2023

Functions, powers, and duties of participants in civil aviation system - Aviation participants - Provisions relating to pilots-in-command

14: Duties of pilot-in-command

You could also call this:

"The pilot in charge must keep everyone and everything on the plane safe."

Illustration for Civil Aviation Act 2023

When you are in charge of a plane as the pilot-in-command, you are responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft. You must also make sure all passengers and crew are safe and well, and that the cargo is safe too.

You have the final say in controlling the plane and making sure everyone on board behaves.

You must follow all the rules and laws about civil aviation, but there are some exceptions, which are explained in sections 15 and 16.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS49512.

Topics:
Transport and travel > Air travel
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13: General requirements for aviation participants, or

"Rules for people involved in aviation to keep everyone safe"

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15: Duties of pilot-in-command in emergencies arising in flight, or

"What a pilot must do in an emergency while flying to keep people safe"

Part 2Functions, powers, and duties of participants in civil aviation system
Aviation participants: Provisions relating to pilots-in-command

14Duties of pilot-in-command

  1. A pilot-in-command is responsible for—

  2. the safe operation of the aircraft; and
    1. the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew; and
      1. the safety of the cargo carried.

        1. The pilot-in-command has final authority to control the aircraft while in command and for the maintenance of discipline by all persons on board the aircraft.

        2. The pilot-in-command is responsible for compliance with all relevant requirements of civil aviation legislation.

        3. Subsection (3) is subject to sections 15 and 16.

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