WHO IS IN CHARGE

[KPax]

Having read the incident report into a RCAF Aurora incident in 2015, I noticed a quote in the report that stated 'Seeing a conflict and concerned about the risk of collision, the aircraft commander directed the pilot flying to abort the takeoff'. I am assuming the aircraft commander was a pilot, or can a rear crew mission commander order the pilot flying to abort a take off?

[Ventre A Terre]

The Canadians operate a system of aircraft commanders (LRPAC) and crew commanders (LRPCC). An LRPAC is always a pilot whereas the CC can be any commissioned operator, normally a pilot or TACCO, but in the past commissioned wetties have been also appointed as CC. The LRPAC can also be a crew commander but isn't always. The LRPAC is responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft and the LRPCC for getting the mission done (a la mission commander on other similar types), including all the crew training requirements and crew motherhood. LRPAC can override the LRPCC for matters of aircraft safety. For the incident in question the LRPAC was the Pilot NF and therefore the decision rested with him.