What is authority?

• A. The power/right to make decisions
• B. The ability to influence others’ schedules
• C. The responsibility to oversee crew
• D. The obligation to log hours

Answer: (A)

Authority is the formal power or right to make decisions and direct actions in a given situation. In flight operations, this means the person in command has the ultimate say on how the flight is conducted—what procedures to follow, which route to take, when to diverge for safety, and how tasks are assigned to crew. It’s about making decisions, not simply influencing schedules or performing administrative tasks. The other options describe tasks or duties that may accompany a role, but they don’t define the ability to decide what must be done during the operation. For example, if a safety issue arises, authority lets the PIC alter the plan or direct the crew to take a safer course of action.