Aviation
14. Pilot Powers
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 22 Jun 2015
- A pilot has the power to conduct searches.
- If you are the person in command of an aircraft and suspect that an offence has been, is being or may be committed on board you may search the aircraft and any passenger, baggage or freight on board.
- Furthermore if as an authorised person you suspect that someone is committing an offence in relation to an aerodrome or its navigational equipment or facilities you are permitted to search that person, and any baggage, car and cargo that are located anywhere near the aerodrome.
- Only a person of the same sex may conduct a search of a suspected person.
- A pilot also has various powers of command.
- If you are a pilot in command of an aircraft and you reasonably believe that a person has committed an offence or an act jeopardising safety or good order and discipline on board you are permitted to restrain that person.
- In this situation you may also authorise crew members and passengers to assist you in imposing such restraint.
- Where a person has been placed under restraint you must notify the authorities of the state or territory where the aircraft is to land.
- Furthermore in order to comply with aviation regulations you may take action by force, remove the person from an aircraft or take the passenger into custody. You are permitted to detain passengers, cabin crew and freight for any amount of time as you think is needed in order to comply with the regulations.
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