Inspectors credentials: Admission to pilots' compartment: Forward observer's seat

What This Regulation Means

When an FAA inspector shows their official credentials (Form 110A) to the pilot in command during an inspection, the inspector must be allowed immediate, unrestricted access to the cockpit. The pilot in command retains emergency authority to remove anyone from the cockpit if safety requires it, but otherwise cannot refuse the inspector entry.

Additionally, Part 135 operators must provide a suitable seat for FAA inspectors conducting in-flight inspections. This must be either a forward observer seat on the flight deck or a forward passenger seat, and it must include a headset or speaker so the inspector can monitor communications and operations. The FAA determines whether the seat location and equipment are adequate for inspection purposes.

In practice: This means Part 135 operators should expect unannounced cockpit access by credentialed inspectors and must have appropriate seating configured for oversight flights.

*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.*