Section 15
Aircraft commander
(1)
Every aircraft operator shall, for each flight segment of an aircraft, designate a suitably qualified member of the operating crew as commander of the aircraft and, where appropriate, another qualified member of the operating crew as assistant commander who shall, when necessary, assume command.
(2)
The aircraft commander shall be solely responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft in flight and the safeguarding of the aircraft and persons and property aboard the aircraft. He shall at all times observe the
Rules of the Air Regulations, appropriate directions of air traffic controllers, obtain all relevant meteorological information available to him, and fulfill all other requirements which may be imposed by this Act.
(3)
The aircraft commander shall be the supreme decision-making authority aboard the aircraft and shall have all the necessary powers to take such steps and perform such actions as he may consider reasonably necessary to carry out his duties and responsibilities. The aircraft commander has the authority necessary to —
(a)
restrain persons on board who may be a threat to safety;
(b)
protect safety of persons and property on board;
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(c)
maintain good order and discipline on board;
(d)
disembark persons who may be a threat to safety;
(e)
search persons or baggage on an aircraft and take possession of items which could be used in connection with any offence, as determined under the provisions of this Act.
(4)
The Director may impose such additional duties and responsibilities upon the aircraft commander as may be required in the interest of safety or security.