PLT440: Flight Crewmember Duties
What code PLT440 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study Flight Crewmember Duties before your checkride.
Recall regulations - Pilot / Crew duties and responsibilities
What this means for your checkride
No certificate holder may require, and no flight crewmember may perform, any duties during a critical phase of flight except those required for the safe operation of the aircraft. Nonsafety tasks such as company calls for galley supplies or connections, passenger announcements promoting the carrier, and paperwork not needed to operate the aircraft are prohibited during those phases. This sterile flight deck rule keeps crews focused when the risk is highest.
Crews must understand that only safety-related duties are permitted during critical phases of flight.
Routine company and passenger-service tasks are not permitted during critical phases of flight even if they seem harmless.
Where to study it
A code on your test report is an area of deficiency. An authorized instructor must review it with you and endorse that review before you take the practical test, and the examiner may revisit it during the oral. Study it until you can explain it out loud, not just recognize the answer.