a DOD Commercial Air Carrier Evaluator's Credential

When a Department of Defense commercial air carrier evaluator needs to conduct an evaluation, they carry an official credential (S&A Form 110B). If this evaluator presents their credential to the pilot in command during an operation under Part 121, the regulation requires that the evaluator be granted free and uninterrupted access to the flight deck.

This means the pilot in command must allow the DOD evaluator into the cockpit without restrictions or delays. The evaluator doesn't need advance permission or coordination beyond showing their credential. This provision exists because DOD evaluators need to observe flight operations as part of their oversight responsibilities for commercial carriers that may be performing or seeking to perform military contract flights. The requirement ensures evaluators can effectively assess whether carriers meet DOD standards for military charter operations, without the carrier being able to refuse or limit access during the evaluation.

*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.*