PIC Responsibility — SERA.2010 / Annex 2 §2.3
General (ICAO)
ICAO Annex 2 §2.3 Responsibility for compliance with the rules of the air: the Pilot in Command (PIC) is responsible for:
- Compliance with all traffic rules.
- Safety of occupants and aircraft.
- Compliance with operating limitations.
- Own fitness (mental/physical).
Europe (EASA / EU)
SERA.2010 — pre-flight action and PIC responsibility
SERA.2010 requires the PIC to:
- Before flight obtain sufficient information on weather, NOTAMs, AIP.
- Calculate mass and balance, fuel plan, performance.
- Ensure the aircraft is airworthy.
- Pilot is fit (medical, IMSAFE check).
Responsibility
- PIC makes all decisions in flight — even against ATC instructions when safety is at stake (emergency authority).
- PIC is in charge in emergencies.
- On violation: legal consequences.
Germany (national)
In Germany additionally:
- LuftVO §3 PIC responsibility.
- The pilot in command is responsible to conduct the flight according to the prevailing flight meteorological conditions (see Subject 050 met-briefing).
- The pilot must immediately report observations about dangers for air traffic to the appropriate air traffic control unit.
Responsibility of pilot-in-command*; EU Reg 923/2012 SERA.2010; LuftVO §3.*