Purpose of Role: 

The Pilot in Command (PIC) is administratively responsible to the Chief Pilot. For the purpose of any flight that they are assigned to by the company, they shall be the certificate holder’s direct employee or agent during every aspect of that operation, including those aspects related to any pre-flight and post-flight duties. The certificate holder is accountable for their actions and in-actions during all its aircraft operations. The PIC does not have the authority to initiate or terminate a flight on their own, only to conduct a flight once released or authorized by the CP or DOO, or their designee.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• The PIC is directly responsible to the Chief Pilot for the flight to which assigned. The PIC is required to call to the Chief Pilot’s attention any deviation from regulations, company policy, directive or safe operating practices.
• The PIC can be held accountable by the company, as well as the FAA for any action or inaction that fails to adhere to the directions and instructions given to him by the Company. Exceptions to this requirement do not apply to instructions, clearances or notices received from the FAA, ATC, NOTAMS or cognizant foreign ATC authorities, Aeronautical safety of flight information received by the pilot, and any operations necessitated under the emergency authority of the PIC in accordance with 14 CFR, part 91.3(b) and/or section 135.19(b). The PIC will suspend/restrict operations as necessary if either operational or environmental conditions become a hazard to safe operation of their flight (guidance 14 CFR 135.69 (a)). The PIC will bring all such issues to the attention of the CP or DOO.
• In addition, will utilize the PCJ training program to provide ground training, flight training, instruction, and practice to ensure that they remain adequately trained and currently proficient with respect to each aircraft, crewmember position, and type of operation in which then they will serve. Regulations/Guidance CFR 135.329(e)
• Maintain qualifications in accordance with current Federal Aviation Regulations and Company regulations appropriate to the category and class of aircraft to which they are assigned.
• Maintain a current First-Class FAA medical. They will provide a copy of that medical certificate to the Chief Pilot with any additional certification that may be required, such as in the event of a Special Issuance Certificate or Letter of Demonstrated Ability. They will ensure that an appointment is scheduled with their AME prior to the expiration of their first class medical. If he is unable to schedule an appointment with the AME prior to expiration of his Medical Certificate, they will notify the Chief Pilot a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the expiration of their Certificate.
• Notify the Director of Operations whenever a medical deficiency exists with themselves or a member of the crew that would affect the safety of flight.
• Ensure the navigation charts being used for the intended flight are current and up to date.
• Keep the assigned copy of their General Operations Manual up to date.
• Report for duty not less than one hour prior to dispatch time, one hour and thirty minutes during winter operations. This is for the accomplishment of preflight inspections, planning and paperwork.
• Notify the Director of Operations whenever a pilot may violate any rule due to being dispatched on a flight.
• Determines that they and their crew are adequately rested, is current and qualified for the type of flight to be flown and is in proper dress.
• Plans flight assignments and obtains information regarding purpose of the flight, weather, operating procedures, and special instructions.
• Prepares or supervises preparation of flight plans, considering such factors as altitude, terrain, weather, range, weight, cruise control data, airport facilities, navigational aids and obtains all pertinent NOTAMS.
• Determines that weight and balance is within prescribed limitations in accordance with GOM section 3 and applicable airplane performance operating limitations computed performance limitations must be substantially as accurate as direct tests per 14 CFR 135.363.

1.) Files and closes flight plans in accordance with Section 13 of this GOM, with the proper equipment suffix, listed on the chart in Section 22 of the GOM, as appropriate to the equipment on the aircraft being flown.

2.) Perform a thorough preflight inspection of the aircraft to determine the aircraft is airworthy for the intended flight in accordance with the manufacturer’s Aircraft Flight Manual. This will include a records review in accordance with sections 6, 7, 8 and 10 of the GOM.
3.) Ensure that all required documents are onboard the aircraft in proper order and – condition. At a minimum, the following documents must be onboard, valid, current and unexpired:

1. 1. 1. 1. Airworthiness Certificate – Must be readily visible to an Aircraft Flight Log with at least the previous flight ending person entering the aircraft. times and cycles.
         2. Aircraft Registration Certificate the Company General Operations Manual (GOM)
         3. FCC Radio Station License – (For International Ops or use of HF radio) The Company Operations Specifications (Op Specs)
         4. FAA Approved Aircraft Flight Manual (Including Operating Limitations and Flight Manual Supplements applicable to installed equipment)
         5. Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Applicable to the aircraft being operated (When approved)
         6. Weight and Balance Data (Including Aircraft Installed Non-Essential Furnishings List (NEF) applicable to the Equipment List) aircraft being operated (When approved)

• Ensures that preparation of flight logs, reporting of mechanical irregularities, and recording of maintenance by maintenance personnel when maintenance is performed away from home station.
• Will ensure that all reports that will be submitted to the FAA are first submitted to the Director of Operations who will then submit them to the FAA.
• The pilot in command will file an official near mid-air collision report (NASA-ASRS) whenever this situation occurs during any flight being conducted for the company.
• The pilot in command will file an official NASA-ASRS whenever a situation occurs during any flight being conducted for the company.
• He will delegate duties to the SIC as an integral and qualified member of the crew. He shall supervise the SIC in his activities.
• The PIC is the final authority as to the operation of the aircraft; however, he is also required and expected to utilize the principles of Crew Resource Management. In that capacity, he is also expected to ensure safety by developing and relying upon his crew’s training, talents and knowledge to ensure the best performance of his team.
• The PIC has operational control to “turn back’ once a flight has departed for reasons of safety of flight due to issues of airworthiness, weather, or other operational considerations. However, once the aircraft is back on the ground, the ability to formally terminate a flight falls to the CP or DOO or their designee.
  Assume the role of TSA In Flight Security Coordinator (ISC) and/or Ground Security Coordinator (GSC). (see PCJ TFSSP for specific duties and responsibilities)
• Ensures the passenger briefings are accomplished in accordance with section 12 of this following GOM –
• The PIC is responsible for all ground operations of the aircraft to which they are assigned. Examples of such operations are towing (including inspection of any suspect ground support equipment), fueling, and anti-icing inspection / prevention.