A dispatcher is reviewing minimum crew requirements for a widebody aircraft type. Under 14 CFR 121.385, what determines the minimum number of pilots required for a given Part 121 flight?
- AThe number of flight attendants assigned to the flight
- BThe airline's internal scheduling policy alone
- CThe total number of passengers booked for that specific flight
- DThe minimum flight crew specified in the aircraft's type certificate data sheet/AFM, as reflected in the operator's operations specifications
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The minimum flight crew specified in the aircraft's type certificate data sheet/AFM, as reflected in the operator's operations specifications
14 CFR 121.385 requires that the minimum flightcrew be not less than the number specified in the type certificate data sheet or approved Airplane Flight Manual for that aircraft, as incorporated into the certificate holder's operations specifications; an operator cannot reduce crew below this certificated minimum.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Flight attendant staffing is governed separately and does not set flightcrew minimums.
- B. Internal policy may add crew but cannot go below the certificated minimum.
- C. Passenger count relates to cabin crew requirements, not minimum flightcrew.
Minimum Flight Crew (121.385)
14 CFR 121.385 requires that the minimum number of pilots for a Part 121 flight equal or exceed that specified in the aircraft's type certificate data sheet or AFM, as reflected in the operator's operations specifications.
- Based on TC data sheet / AFM minimum crew
- Cannot be reduced below certificated minimum
- Operations specifications formalize the requirement
Memory trick: The type certificate writes the crew rulebook, no shortcuts allowed.