Who has the final authority to order the evacuation of an aircraft?

• A. The Airport Manager
• B. The Public Safety Officer
• C. The Incident Commander
• D. The Control Tower Supervisor

Answer: (C)

The final authority to order the evacuation of an aircraft lies with the Incident Commander. This role encompasses a critical leadership position during emergency situations, where the safety of passengers and crew is paramount. The Incident Commander is trained to assess the situational hazards, coordinate emergency responses, and make decisive actions regarding the evacuation process.

In the context of an aircraft incident, the Incident Commander evaluates the nature of the emergency—such as fire, structural compromise, or unsafe conditions—and must make quick decisions to ensure that all individuals onboard are safely evacuated as soon as possible. This individual is responsible for overseeing the entire incident response, including the coordination of multiple agencies and resources, ensuring that the evacuation is conducted efficiently and safely.

Other roles, like the Airport Manager or the Control Tower Supervisor, may also be involved in emergency procedures but do not possess the direct authority to initiate an evacuation order. The Public Safety Officer might provide support or assistance during operations, but it is ultimately the Incident Commander who holds the final say in such critical situations.