FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Human Factors and CRMMedium
An airline crew is taxiing to the gate after landing when the captain begins discussing weekend plans with the first officer. Under 14 CFR Part 121, this conversation is a violation of which regulation?
- ACrew rest requirements
- BThe one-engine-inoperative rule
- CMinimum equipment list procedures
- DThe sterile cockpit rule
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The sterile cockpit rule
14 CFR 121.542 prohibits nonessential conversation and activities during critical phases of flight, which includes taxi, takeoff, landing, and all flight operations below 10,000 feet except cruise flight. Taxiing to the gate after landing is still a critical phase of flight.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Crew rest requirements govern duty and rest periods, not in-flight conversation.
- B. This is unrelated to engine-out procedures.
- C. MEL procedures govern inoperative equipment dispatch, not cockpit conversation.
Sterile Cockpit Rule
14 CFR 121.542/135.100 prohibits flight crewmembers from performing non-safety-related duties or engaging in nonessential conversation during critical phases of flight.
- Critical phases include taxi, takeoff, landing, and all flight below 10,000 ft (except cruise)
- Nonessential activities like eating, reading, or casual talk are prohibited
- Intended to reduce distraction during high-workload phases
- Applies to all required flight crewmembers
Memory trick: Below 10,000 feet, zip the lip unless it's about flying