A dispatcher is verifying the minimum flight crew required for a specific airplane type used in Part 121 operations. Under 14 CFR 121.385, the minimum flight crew is determined primarily by which of the following?
- AThe type certification requirements and the workload demonstrated for the specific airplane and operation
- BThe dispatcher's judgment made independently for each flight
- CThe airline's preference based on cost efficiency
- DThe number of passengers seated, regardless of aircraft type
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The type certification requirements and the workload demonstrated for the specific airplane and operation
14 CFR 121.385 requires that the minimum flight crew be established based on the airplane's type certification and the crew workload necessary to perform required duties, considering factors such as accessibility of controls, number of engines, and communication/navigation requirements. This minimum crew is then documented in the Operations Specifications and Airplane Flight Manual, not left to individual airline discretion or dispatcher judgment.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Minimum crew is a fixed regulatory/certification determination, not decided per flight by the dispatcher.
- C. Cost efficiency is not a regulatory factor in determining minimum crew.
- D. Passenger count alone does not determine minimum flight crew requirements.
Minimum Flight Crew (121.385)
Rule establishing minimum flight crew based on type certification and workload analysis for a specific airplane and operation.
- Based on type certification and workload studies
- Considers accessibility of controls and crew duties
- Documented in Ops Specs and Airplane Flight Manual
Memory trick: Crew size comes from certification, not company convenience.