Most of our flights operate with four-person crews. What is the succession of command?

• A. PIC, FO, FA1, FA2
• B. PIC, FA1, FO, FA2
• C. FO, PIC, FA1, FA2
• D. PIC, FO, FA2, FA1

Answer: (A)

In a four-person flight crew, the authority structure starts with the Pilot in Command who has final responsibility for the flight. The next in line is the First Officer, serving as second-in-command and ready to assume command if needed. The two Flight Attendants operate under the cockpit’s direction, and among themselves the more senior FA leads the cabin team while FA2 supports. This order—PIC, then FO, then FA1, then FA2—keeps the chain of command clear, ensuring the pilots handle aircraft safety and decision-making while the cabin crew coordinates safety and passenger procedures under that leadership. Putting any cabin crew member ahead of the pilots or reversing the cabin attendants’ seniority would create confusion and undermine safety.