FAA Ground School Practice Test

Who is responsible for determining whether a pilot is fit to fly?

1. The aviation medical examiner

2. The pilot

3. The co-pilot

4. The flight instructor

The correct answer is: The pilot

The pilot is responsible for determining whether they are fit to fly because it is ultimately the pilot's duty to assess their own physical and mental state. While aviation medical examiners conduct necessary medical evaluations, their assessments are periodic, and pilots must continuously monitor their own health and well-being. Factors such as fatigue, illness, and mental state can change rapidly, and it is the pilot's responsibility to recognize any potential issues that may interfere with their ability to operate an aircraft safely. In addition, the pilot is required to adhere to regulations that emphasize self-assessment, such as the FAA's guidance on personal health and fitness for flying. This principle is rooted in the understanding that a pilot, being in command of the aircraft, is the first line of defense in ensuring safety. Regular self-evaluation encourages a proactive approach to flight safety. Other roles, like the co-pilot and flight instructor, may assist or provide support in ensuring safety, but they do not carry the ultimate responsibility for the pilot's fitness to fly. The aviation medical examiner's role is limited to initial assessments and periodic checks, and they do not have the capacity to monitor a pilot's day-to-day condition.