Final answer:
A PIC may deviate from AFI11-202V3 in the case of an in-flight emergency that requires immediate action to ensure the safety of the flight. The pilot must then report and explain the deviation to the appropriate authority. This policy provides PICs with necessary operational flexibility to manage emergencies effectively while prioritizing operational safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
When may a PIC deviate from AFI11-202V3?
A pilot in command (PIC) may deviate from Air Force Instruction 11-202, Volume 3 (AFI11-202V3) when responding to an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action. AFI11-202V3 provides guidance on flight rules and procedures for the United States Air Force. However, in scenarios where the safety of the flight is in jeopardy, the PIC has the authority to make decisions that they believe will best achieve a safe outcome, even if it means not strictly adhering to the regulations. After such an event, the PIC is required to report the deviation to the appropriate authority and provide an explanation for their actions. This ensures a balance between maintaining safety and adhering to standardized procedures.
The concept behind allowing deviations is to provide the PIC with the flexibility to handle unexpected and potentially dangerous situations that cannot be fully encompassed by static rules. This doctrine of operational flexibility is essential for ensuring that pilots can effectively manage emergency situations. Operational safety is always the top priority, and regulations like AFI11-202V3 are designed with the understanding that real-time judgment calls may be necessary.