Secret Service Agents: Admission to flight deck

This regulation grants Secret Service agents mandatory access to the flight deck when they're protecting someone on board an aircraft operated under Part 121 (scheduled air carriers).

If a Secret Service agent determines that riding on the flight deck is necessary to perform their protective duties, the pilot in command must allow them access. The agent needs to make a request and show their Secret Service credentials to the captain.

Once admitted, the agent must be permitted to occupy an observer seat on the flight deck. This isn't optional for the airline or pilot—the regulation uses "must," making it a requirement rather than a discretionary matter.

In practice, this means flight crews should be prepared to accommodate Secret Service agents protecting high-profile individuals (such as government officials) traveling on their aircraft. The agent's professional judgment about whether flight deck access is necessary takes precedence, provided they present proper credentials.

*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.*