Who coordinates the cabin crew during an in-flight emergency?

• A. The captain
• B. The first officer
• C. The lead flight attendant or purser
• D. The head of operations

Answer: (C)

During an in-flight emergency, clear leadership of the cabin crew is essential to keep passengers safe. This leadership rests with the lead flight attendant, also known as the purser, who is the senior cabin crew member on board. They coordinate the cabin crew’s actions, direct emergency procedures, relay the captain’s instructions to the crew, and ensure passengers receive orderly assistance and evacuation if needed. The captain retains overall authority for the aircraft and safety decisions, but the day-to-day coordination of the cabin during an emergency is handled by the purser. The first officer operates in the flight deck and does not oversee cabin coordination, and the head of operations is a ground role, not part of the on-board crew.