A couple of years ago several incidents occurred, involving aircraft, that resulted in the FAA focusing their attention on Operational Control.
At that point, most pilots knew little or nothing about this issue, nor did they care.
Well, the FAA cared and, within a few months, made certain that we did also.
The issue of Operational Control, and it's component categories, became the focus of attention during the oral examination.
Operators and pilots were scrambling to find answers to questions that, frankly, were not available in the FAR's.
So, where did that leave everyone? Well, scrambling, that's where it left us.
This article is my attempt to "un-scramble" this issue.
Here we go! The FAR's define Operational Control, with respect to flight, as the exercise of authority over initiating, conducting, or terminating a flight.
Sounds simple doesn't it? Well, according to the FAA, it is a little more complicated than that; and, it is.
Operational Control is a management system designed to ensure oversight of all aircraft, those flights conducted in the aircraft, and the pilots who conduct them.
In most organizations, this can be a complicated process.
It involves technology, as well as, the human element.
And with any process or procedure, the system must be managed.
In most cases, the responsibility for exercise of authority falls directly with the Director of Operations and the Chief Pilot.
One or both are required to have a direct knowledge and authority for all flight operations.
This includes the initiation of any and all flights to include,but not limited to, the scheduling of flights, aircraft assignment, and pilot assignments.
Other than cases involving routinely scheduled flights and duty assignments, all newly scheduled flight operations must involve either the Director of Operations or the Chief Pilot, or both.
This level of responsibility is at the senior management level and involves the overall flight operations.
Routine and day-to-day tasks may be delegated to staff personnel, however, the responsibility may never be relegated.
In cases where operations are mostly routine in nature, management may delegate some authority at the base management level.
These types of operations involve flights that may be contracted on a regular basis however, the day-to-day routine may be different.
In this case, a limited amount of authority may be delegated to the base management staff.
This authority must be written in policy and clearly spell out the scope and limit of authority that may be exercised.
The last level of Operational Control falls at the pilot level.
Ultimately, the pilot is responsible for initiating, conducting, or terminating a particular flight that has been assigned.
As pilot in command, he/she has the final decision on whether to initiate, conduct, or terminate a flight.
Again, policies and procedures should be in place to ensure compliance with all appropriate regulations and to help guide the pilot through the decision-making process.
Once a decision to initiate a flight has been made, and the flight is being conducted, the most critical portion of Operational Control begins.
Procedures for tracking aircraft flights must be in place.
This can be done in a number of different ways or a combination of methods may be used.
In any event, the FAA mandates that positive flight following procedures be in place.
Flight following centers usually require trained personnel.
Flight following procedures and policies should be in place.
Issues such as in-flight emergencies and downed aircraft situations should be covered.
It is not imperative that every flight position report be made known to senior management, however, those situations that are considered unusual in nature are required to be passed up the chain of command.
Flight followers should be trained in the basic knowledge required to effectively manage the flights that they will be tracking.
Basic aircraft information, pilot duty requirements, and weather interpretation should be taught.
When it comes to the subject of Operational Control, the FAA does not give us much guidance.
It has become a hot topic.
It is incumbent upon operators to institute and implement programs that meet the compliance requirements of the FAA.
It takes cooperation and coordination between the operator and the FAA.
They will help establish a procedure that is acceptable and meets the demands of the operator.
Each management system is unique and the FAA understands this.
Set up a meeting, go over your procedures, and make the necessary changes required.
It should be no problems after that.
Good Luck and Good Flying.
At that point, most pilots knew little or nothing about this issue, nor did they care.
Well, the FAA cared and, within a few months, made certain that we did also.
The issue of Operational Control, and it's component categories, became the focus of attention during the oral examination.
Operators and pilots were scrambling to find answers to questions that, frankly, were not available in the FAR's.
So, where did that leave everyone? Well, scrambling, that's where it left us.
This article is my attempt to "un-scramble" this issue.
Here we go! The FAR's define Operational Control, with respect to flight, as the exercise of authority over initiating, conducting, or terminating a flight.
Sounds simple doesn't it? Well, according to the FAA, it is a little more complicated than that; and, it is.
Operational Control is a management system designed to ensure oversight of all aircraft, those flights conducted in the aircraft, and the pilots who conduct them.
In most organizations, this can be a complicated process.
It involves technology, as well as, the human element.
And with any process or procedure, the system must be managed.
In most cases, the responsibility for exercise of authority falls directly with the Director of Operations and the Chief Pilot.
One or both are required to have a direct knowledge and authority for all flight operations.
This includes the initiation of any and all flights to include,but not limited to, the scheduling of flights, aircraft assignment, and pilot assignments.
Other than cases involving routinely scheduled flights and duty assignments, all newly scheduled flight operations must involve either the Director of Operations or the Chief Pilot, or both.
This level of responsibility is at the senior management level and involves the overall flight operations.
Routine and day-to-day tasks may be delegated to staff personnel, however, the responsibility may never be relegated.
In cases where operations are mostly routine in nature, management may delegate some authority at the base management level.
These types of operations involve flights that may be contracted on a regular basis however, the day-to-day routine may be different.
In this case, a limited amount of authority may be delegated to the base management staff.
This authority must be written in policy and clearly spell out the scope and limit of authority that may be exercised.
The last level of Operational Control falls at the pilot level.
Ultimately, the pilot is responsible for initiating, conducting, or terminating a particular flight that has been assigned.
As pilot in command, he/she has the final decision on whether to initiate, conduct, or terminate a flight.
Again, policies and procedures should be in place to ensure compliance with all appropriate regulations and to help guide the pilot through the decision-making process.
Once a decision to initiate a flight has been made, and the flight is being conducted, the most critical portion of Operational Control begins.
Procedures for tracking aircraft flights must be in place.
This can be done in a number of different ways or a combination of methods may be used.
In any event, the FAA mandates that positive flight following procedures be in place.
Flight following centers usually require trained personnel.
Flight following procedures and policies should be in place.
Issues such as in-flight emergencies and downed aircraft situations should be covered.
It is not imperative that every flight position report be made known to senior management, however, those situations that are considered unusual in nature are required to be passed up the chain of command.
Flight followers should be trained in the basic knowledge required to effectively manage the flights that they will be tracking.
Basic aircraft information, pilot duty requirements, and weather interpretation should be taught.
When it comes to the subject of Operational Control, the FAA does not give us much guidance.
It has become a hot topic.
It is incumbent upon operators to institute and implement programs that meet the compliance requirements of the FAA.
It takes cooperation and coordination between the operator and the FAA.
They will help establish a procedure that is acceptable and meets the demands of the operator.
Each management system is unique and the FAA understands this.
Set up a meeting, go over your procedures, and make the necessary changes required.
It should be no problems after that.
Good Luck and Good Flying.