Posted on Dec 23, 2021
Does the PIC (Pilot In Command) of an aircraft in flight have the authority to perform marriages?
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Some aircraft, such as the C-5, have multiple crews. Others have flight durations that last several hours, in some cases, the better part of a day.
Law
Flying
Pilot in Command
Career Counselor
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 6
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The authority of the aircraft commander in the Air Force extends only to the operation and safety of the aircraft and crew. It does not include civil matters such as marriage.
It is possible for an aircraft commander to conduct a marriage ceremony on board an aircraft in flight, safety permitting, as long as the couple has the required state and local paperwork to sign. I’ve never seen this done, but there are lots of in-flight reenlistments. I did one of those for an E7 Loadmaster in a C130. We had 3 pilots on board so the front seAts were always filled.
It is possible for an aircraft commander to conduct a marriage ceremony on board an aircraft in flight, safety permitting, as long as the couple has the required state and local paperwork to sign. I’ve never seen this done, but there are lots of in-flight reenlistments. I did one of those for an E7 Loadmaster in a C130. We had 3 pilots on board so the front seAts were always filled.
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Lt Col Jim Coe
In view of Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis and LTC Jason Mackay inputs I need to clarify my post.
It is possible for an aircraft commander or almost anybody else to conduct a marriage ceremony. The couple must have the required paperwork from the state or local government in which they want to be married. It's the paperwork, properly signed, that actually causes the marriage to be officially recorded. The administering of vows or other public confessions of loyalty of the couple to each other, is not required. Witnesses are usually required.
Each state and some localities have their own laws about marriage. Be sure to check these laws carefully. Provide all the needed paperwork within the time limits specified. My recent experience with the marriage of my grandson shows the person officiating at the ceremony need not be a licensed clergyperson or a justice of the peace or judge.
It is possible for an aircraft commander or almost anybody else to conduct a marriage ceremony. The couple must have the required paperwork from the state or local government in which they want to be married. It's the paperwork, properly signed, that actually causes the marriage to be officially recorded. The administering of vows or other public confessions of loyalty of the couple to each other, is not required. Witnesses are usually required.
Each state and some localities have their own laws about marriage. Be sure to check these laws carefully. Provide all the needed paperwork within the time limits specified. My recent experience with the marriage of my grandson shows the person officiating at the ceremony need not be a licensed clergyperson or a justice of the peace or judge.
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Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis
Lt Col Jim Coe - Jim, thanks for the input. As always, it's the paperwork. With that said, it would appear that 32 CFR Section 700-844, (cited in another response) has the final say. The short answer is "No."
This differs, I think, from civil vessels. Captains at sea (cruise liners, for example) do have this authority. It would seem logical to me that Captains of airliners would have the same authority; particularly if the aircraft was flying a very long route (over the Pacific, for example).
Again, thanks for the input.
This differs, I think, from civil vessels. Captains at sea (cruise liners, for example) do have this authority. It would seem logical to me that Captains of airliners would have the same authority; particularly if the aircraft was flying a very long route (over the Pacific, for example).
Again, thanks for the input.
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That's a negative Ghost Rider. Flight duration or platform doesn't matter. Being a Pilot in Command alone wouldn't be enough. They would still need to be ordained or otherwise authorized in some capacity. But, if the PIC had additional authority or authorization they certainly could.
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Here is my logic. The PIC could be considered as Captain of a vessel. In fact, the PIC is often referred to as "Captain" on flights that have several people on the crew. The captain of a vassal underway has the power vested in themselves to officiate marriages.
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