Which statement best describes the role of the captain during security incidents?

• A. Captain has authority only for medical decisions.
• B. Crew make all decisions without captain input.
• C. Captain has overall authority to coordinate response and determine handling.
• D. Captain should evacuate immediately without assessment.

Answer: (C)

In a security incident, leadership and coordinated action are essential. The captain has overall authority to coordinate the response and determine how the situation is handled. This means the captain sets the plan, directs crew actions, and communicates with authorities and air traffic control as needed, always keeping passenger safety at the forefront. The captain can delegate tasks to crew but remains the final decision-maker on how to proceed—whether that involves security procedures, changes to flight operations, or deciding if evacuation is necessary. Evacuating immediately without assessment bypasses crucial threat evaluation and can increase risk, so decisions are driven by threat assessment and established procedures rather than impulse. The crew play important roles, but ultimate command rests with the captain to ensure a clear, coordinated response.