<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Question
Within the law just how much power does a commander have and when is he relinquished of that power? </font>
If it is a British-registered aircraft (as in this case) the commander's powers are considerable, as contained in the Civil Aviaition Act 1982 and Air Navigation Order (2) 1995. I'm no lawyer but absent 'imminent danger', once the flight is complete I would expect the laws of the destination country then take precedence. This captain was charged with or at least accused of breaking an Italian law pertaining to unlawful detention (sic).
There is an article ex-Hansard which I found on the web. Long but thought-provoking IMO.
http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm199899/cmselect/cmenvtra /275/275ap36.htm
[This message has been edited by PaperTiger (edited 26 June 2001).]