If an aircraft is pushed back from the gate and one pilot needs to use the lavatory while on the ground with the parking brake set, is it required to have two crewmembers on the flight deck?

If an aircraft is pushed back from the gate and one pilot needs to use the lavatory while on the ground with the parking brake set, is it required to have two crewmembers on the flight deck?

• A. It is not required to have two crewmembers on the flight deck when the pilot leaves
• B. Two crewmembers must remain on the flight deck at all times
• C. Only if required by the Captain
• D. The second crewmember must be a trainee

Answer: (A)

When the aircraft is secured on the ground with the parking brake set, a pilot can leave the flight deck briefly for a lavatory break without requiring a second crewmember to stay in the cockpit. The parking brake provides a stop-proof state, so there isn’t an immediate movement risk, and the remaining crewmember can monitor and communicate with ground personnel as needed. If the aircraft were not secured or if it could move (for example during pushback or taxi), then two crewmembers would be required to remain on the flight deck to manage the aircraft and respond to any situation. The other options imply a blanket or conditional requirement that isn’t necessary in this parked, braked scenario.

When the aircraft is secured on the ground with the parking brake set, a pilot can leave the flight deck briefly for a lavatory break without requiring a second crewmember to stay in the cockpit. The parking brake provides a stop-proof state, so there isn’t an immediate movement risk, and the remaining crewmember can monitor and communicate with ground personnel as needed.

If the aircraft were not secured or if it could move (for example during pushback or taxi), then two crewmembers would be required to remain on the flight deck to manage the aircraft and respond to any situation. The other options imply a blanket or conditional requirement that isn’t necessary in this parked, braked scenario.