The lectures deal in a practical and relevant manner with the sources of the aircraft commander's authority and with his (or her) esponsibilities in respect of his employer, his passengers and his crew and his relationship with outside agencies such as ATC and other authorities. The course advises the action to be taken in the immediate aftermath of an accident in order to protect the interests of both the commander and the airline.

The lectures can form an integral part of the command course given to captain candidates. They can also be provided on a stand-alone basis to line captains.

Course content (Handouts are provided)

• The nature of international law and its relationship to domestic (municipal) law
• The Chicago Convention and its Annexes - their status and effect
• The Commander's responsibility and authority
• His/her responsibilities under contract to his employer
• His/her duty of care to passengers and crew, the duty to obey - and its limits
• The right to refuse boarding
• Sexual harassment
• Powers of Police, Health, Customs and Immigration Authorities
• Deportees and Inadmissible Aliens - the potential dilemma for the commander
• The role, function and responsibilities of ATC
• Criminal liability of the Commander - statutory offences, manslaughter
• Civil liability - negligence
• The passenger's contract with the carrier
• Interception
• The law as to the carriage of Munitions of War and of Dangerous Goods
• The powers given to the commander under legislation to deal with crimes and with unruly disruptive behaviour on board
• The accident investigation authorities and their powers
• Recommended actions in the event of an accident

Training method

Instructor-led in classroom. The lectures are given by a qualified lawyer specialising in aviation law as it applies to the operation of aircraft. He is also a retired B747 commander with extensive experience in many fields of civil aviation.