Originally Posted by
DeltaDX
I'm not a pilot, just a humble dispatcher. According to FARs, the pilot in command is not in command until he is actually piloting the airplane. Believe it or not, during the boarding process, the company can actually dictate who gets to ride in the back of their multi-million dollar machine. Imagine.
Of course, any captain can refuse to let an authorized person board. But not without answering for it, and he'd better have a damn good reason, and just saying "PIC" won't cut it.
I'm not sure I would agree with you on your interpretation of the FAR's, BUT, fortunately where I work we have this little gem in our manuals:
Duration of Command
The Captain is in command of the crew from the time he reports, prior to departure, until leaving the aircraft at the termination of the flight. The Captain is in command of the aircraft from the time of arrival at the aircraft until leaving the aircraft at the end of the flight.
This allows every decision and task associated with said flight to be covered by Captain authority.