Who should take control of an IED on an aircraft?

• A. Captain
• B. Security officer
• C. Passenger
• D. Flight attendant

Answer: (D)

In an in-flight threat involving a device, the person in charge inside the cabin is the crew member trained for emergencies: the flight attendant. They are trained to protect passengers, maintain order, isolate the affected area, and communicate with the cockpit for safe decisions and coordination with authorities. This leadership helps prevent panic, directs people to safety, and keeps the situation organized until law enforcement or security teams take over after landing. The captain remains responsible for flying the aircraft, but the detailed, immediate management of a cabin threat falls to the flight attendant, who is specifically prepared for this role. A passenger lacks the training and authority for such a response, and a security officer, while valuable, may not always be on board or available to lead in-cabin actions.