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Civil Aviation Act 2023

Monitoring, investigation, and enforcement - Unruly passenger offences - Unruly passenger offences

398: Non-compliance with commands given by pilot-in-command

You could also call this:

"Listening to the pilot is the law on a plane"

Illustration for Civil Aviation Act 2023

If you are on a plane, you must listen to the pilot-in-command. The pilot-in-command is in charge of the plane and its safety. If the pilot-in-command gives you a command directly or through a crew member, you must follow it, as this is part of their duties under section 14.

If you do not follow the pilot-in-command's commands, you can commit an offence. The pilot-in-command's commands are important for keeping everyone safe on the plane.

If you commit this offence, you can get a fine of up to $5,000 if you are convicted.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS49792.

Topics:
Transport and travel > Air travelCrime and justice > Criminal law
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"No drinking on planes: stay sober when flying"

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"No being rude or naughty on a plane"

Part 9Monitoring, investigation, and enforcement
Unruly passenger offences: Unruly passenger offences

398Non-compliance with commands given by pilot-in-command

  1. A person who fails to comply with any commands given to the person directly by the pilot-in-command, or indirectly by the pilot-in-command through a crew member, in accordance with the pilot-in-command’s duties under section 14 or the rules commits an offence.

  2. A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000.

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