Admission to flight deck

This regulation controls who may be admitted to the flight deck of Part 121 air carrier aircraft.

Generally, only crewmembers, FAA/DOD inspectors, NTSB representatives, and certain authorized persons may enter. Other individuals need permission from the pilot in command, airline management, and the FAA. This includes U.S. government employees on official business, airline employees whose duties require flight deck access for safety, and employees of FAA-certificated aeronautical enterprises.

The regulation also addresses seating: generally, visitors need an available passenger seat unless they fall into specific exceptions—inspectors, air traffic controllers observing procedures, certificated airmen performing duties, airline employees conducting flight operations or monitoring equipment, or manufacturer representatives monitoring equipment (all with proper written authorization).

The pilot in command retains emergency authority to exclude anyone from the flight deck for safety reasons, regardless of other permissions. Airlines cannot admit employees from departments unrelated to flight operations (like sales or traffic) unless they qualify under the general permission requirements.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*