Operational Control
For those Commanders with some experience with CX operations, I have a question for you...
Under Section 2.4 of Ops Part A, it states that CX uses a PIC- assisted system for the purpose of operational control: The Commander /PIC has sole authority over any and all decisions regarding operational control. However, the Commander/PIC is assisted by others, such as IOC, DOM or other operational staff assigned the responsibility to carry out specific functions, duties or tasks, such as flight planning and in-flight support.
Furthermore 2.4.1 states Before Commencement of the flight The responsibility for an individual flight passes to IOC before departure
and Once the flight has commenced The Commander/PIC has the authority as to the operation and safety of the aircraft and all persons on board during his time on duty. All operational decisions should be co-ordinated with IOC.
Finally, Once the flight has commenced The aircraft Commander/PIC has the authority for operational control for any safety or legal issues from the moment the aircraft is ready to move for the purpose of taking-off, until the moment it finally comes to rest at the end of the flight and the engines are shutdown.
So here's the scenario: Whilst preparing for a ULH full flight, the ISM informs you that all the PTVs in F class are not working. Having consulted the ground engineers, they advise you that in order to fix the system, it will take about an hour delay past ETD. You inform IOC/ENG via the Company frequency and are told to close the doors and depart.
Would there be serious consequences and repercussions if you decided to use your authority and override their decision by getting the engineers to do their job?
There's times when being a Commander is "the ultimate authority" and it seems to me there's other times of "do as we say, not as we publish".
Just wanted to get your opinion(s).