Who is considered the "responsible person" in relation to a flight itinerary?

In the context of flight operations, the "responsible person" refers to an individual who has taken on the obligation to ensure the safety and accountability of the flight. This individual is typically designated to monitor the flight's progress and to act if the aircraft is overdue. This means if the flight does not arrive at its destination as scheduled, the responsible person has a duty to take appropriate action, such as notifying authorities or initiating search procedures.

The designated responsible person is often someone who is specifically aware of the flight schedules, such as a flight operations officer or a designated friend or family member, but it is crucial that this person has agreed to take on this responsibility. This role is essential for safety, as it helps ensure that if a situation arises where the aircraft does not arrive as expected, there is someone prepared to respond effectively.

In contrast, while a flight attendant, the pilot's instructor, or a fellow pilot may play important roles during the flight, they typically do not have the specific responsibility to report on the aircraft's status to outside parties if the aircraft becomes overdue.