Crew Roles

PlaneConnection defines crew roles for personnel involved in flight operations. Each role carries specific responsibilities under 14 CFR Part 135 and determines what the crew member can access and perform within the platform.

​

Role Summary

​

Detailed Role Definitions

​

Pilot in Command (PIC)

The pilot designated by the operator as having final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight (14 CFR 1.1). The PIC has the authority to deviate from any rule to the extent required to meet an emergency. Responsibilities:

• Final authority over the aircraft during flight.
• Pre-flight planning and weather evaluation.
• Airworthiness determination before each flight.
• Compliance with all applicable regulations and OpSpecs.
• Filing and managing safety reports for events encountered during operations.
• Reviewing and signing trip records.

System permissions:

• Full access to the PIC portal.
• Submit safety reports (all types).
• View assigned trips and flight schedule.
• Record flight times and duty periods.
• View and acknowledge CPAs assigned to them.
• Access aircraft records for assigned aircraft.
• View crew records for assigned flights.

​

Second in Command (SIC)

The pilot designated as second in command during flight time (14 CFR 135.101). The SIC assists the PIC and is prepared to assume PIC duties if necessary. Responsibilities:

• Assist the PIC during all phases of flight.
• Monitor aircraft systems and flight instruments.
• Communicate with ATC as directed by the PIC.
• Perform duties assigned by the PIC.
• File safety reports for events observed during operations.

System permissions:

• Access to the PIC portal (limited scope).
• Submit safety reports (all types).
• View assigned trips and flight schedule.
• Record flight times and duty periods.
• View aircraft records for assigned aircraft.

​

Flight Attendant (FA)

A crewmember assigned to perform duties in the cabin for passenger safety (14 CFR 135.107). Required on aircraft with 20 or more passenger seats. Responsibilities:

• Passenger safety briefings and compliance monitoring.
• Cabin safety inspections.
• Emergency procedure execution.
• First aid response.
• File safety reports related to cabin events.

System permissions:

• Submit safety reports (all types).
• View assigned trips.
• View cabin-relevant safety bulletins and procedures.
• Record duty periods.

​

Flight Engineer (FE)

A crewmember who monitors and operates aircraft systems (14 CFR 135.101). Applicable only to aircraft types that require a flight engineer as part of the minimum crew complement. Responsibilities:

• Monitor aircraft systems (engines, hydraulics, pressurization, electrical).
• Perform system checks per checklists.
• Manage fuel systems and calculate fuel requirements.
• Advise the PIC on system status and limitations.
• File safety reports related to system anomalies.

System permissions:

• Submit safety reports (all types).
• View assigned trips.
• Access aircraft system records for assigned aircraft.
• Record duty periods and flight times.

​

Dispatcher

A person responsible for operational control, flight planning, and scheduling under Part 135. Dispatchers may also hold an aircraft dispatcher certificate under 14 CFR Part 65. Responsibilities:

• Flight planning and route optimization.
• Weather monitoring and evaluation.
• Aircraft scheduling and assignment.
• Crew scheduling and assignment.
• NOTAMs review and distribution.
• Trip status management.
• Communication with PIC during flight operations.

System permissions:

• Full access to the operations module (scheduling, dispatch, fleet).
• Create and manage trips.
• Assign aircraft and crew to trips.
• Manage aircraft statuses.
• View safety reports (read-only).
• Access passenger manifests.

​

Ground Crew

Personnel who perform ground handling, ramp operations, fueling, marshalling, baggage handling, or other ground support functions. Responsibilities:

• Aircraft ground handling and marshalling.
• Baggage and cargo loading.
• Fueling operations.
• Ground equipment operation.
• File safety reports for ground events and hazards.

System permissions:

• Submit safety reports (hazard, incident, near-miss, concern, observation).
• View assigned duties and schedules.
• View ground safety bulletins and procedures.

​

Role Assignment

Crew roles are assigned per trip, not globally. A single individual may hold different roles on different trips — for example, a pilot may serve as PIC on one trip and SIC on another. The individual’s base qualifications and certifications determine which roles they are eligible to fill.

​

Qualification Requirements