Who is considered a crew member in aviation?

In aviation, a crew member is defined as an individual who has a specific role or assigned duty during flight operations. This typically includes pilots, flight attendants, and other personnel required to ensure the safety and efficiency of the flight while in the air. The fundamental aspect of being a crew member is the responsibility for tasks directly related to the operation of the aircraft and the safety of its passengers.

An individual assigned a duty during flight holds a crucial position that may involve conducting flight operations, managing in-flight safety, and supporting the cockpit crew in various ways. This definition encompasses both pilots and cabin crew members who actively engage in work tasks during the flight.

The other options do not align with the specific role of a crew member: an aircraft maintenance technician works on the ground and prepares the aircraft for flight but does not perform duties during the flight itself. A passenger with flight training may possess technical knowledge about flying, but they do not hold a designated role in the operation of the aircraft during flight. Finally, a member of air traffic control manages air traffic and ensures safe separation between aircraft, but they operate from a different location and are not physically part of the flight crew onboard the aircraft.