Pilot in command (PIC)

The cost sharing legislation cited here doesn't contain a statutory definition of pilot in command, but they are clear about the role. CAP 1590 (guidance), para 8:

The safety and conduct of any flight including cost-sharing flights is the responsibility of the Pilot in Command of the aircraft. The pilot must conduct the flight in accordance with the regulations for non-commercial flights with light aircraft by private pilots.

Under Part-NCO, NCO.GEN.105(a)(1) makes the pilot-in-command responsible for "the safety of the aircraft and of all crew members, passengers and cargo on board", and NCO.GEN.105(c) gives the authority to refuse carriage of any person who may be a hazard. CAP 1590 para 13 adds that the pilot "can refuse to board a passenger for any reason and does not need to provide any justification."

On a cost-shared flight the PIC also:

• pays the costs other than direct costs, and at least an equal share of the direct costs (the contribution is "otherwise payable by the pilot in command", Article 6(4a)(a));
• completes the Passenger Declaration Form (CAP 1590 para 19);
• gives the passenger briefing (NCO.OP.130 or ANO art. 73);
• meets the recent experience requirement to carry passengers.

ANO 2016 art. 265(1) deems the operator and the pilot in command to have contravened a provision broken in relation to an aircraft, unless a defence applies.