Originally Posted by Eff Oh
Jockflyer
A Captain of any aircraft cannot stop anyone from getting off. As you said it is unlawful imprisonment. He can only stop a person from entering the aircraft (pax). As far as this handing over control thing goes, I have never seen it in any company manual I have worked for. The police assume control of the aircraft upon reciept of the bomb threat? Does that mean if during said threat an engine fails do you need to consult the police with regard to the QRH??? Also do the police sign the tech log when signing the a/c back in following the all clear? No, because they can't. Upon getting the all clear do the retrospectively hand back control for the incident and say "well you're back incharge now so all of that was nothing to do with us!?!" The whole thing needs clearing up BIGTIME!!
There are many situations when an aircraft commander or his designated authority can prevent a person from leaving an aircraft. This is not in itself "unlawful imprisonment". Likewise there may be situations where he cannot prevent a person from boarding an aircraft although not necessarily for the purpose of transportation.