California · Public Utilities Code - PUC

PUC §21416: On all commercial aircraft which transport passengers for compensation or hire the door which separates the pilot compartment from the passenger compartment shall be kept locked at all times the aircr

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Commercial aircraft pilots must keep the cockpit door locked during passenger flights over the state, except during takeoff/landing or when crew access is necessary. Passengers cannot possess keys or devices to open the door from the passenger side.

Read the full statutory text

On all commercial aircraft which transport passengers for compensation or hire the door which separates the pilot compartment from the passenger compartment shall be kept locked at all times the aircraft is in a flight over this state during which passengers are being transported except: (a) During takeoff and landing of the airplane when such door is the means of access to a required passenger emergency exit. (b) At such times as it may be necessary to provide access to the flight crew or passenger compartments for the crew members in the performance of their duties, or to provide access for other persons authorized admission to the flight crew compartment. The pilot of the aircraft shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if the door is not so locked. It shall be unlawful for any person, except a member of the crew, to have in his possession in the passenger compartment at any time the aircraft is in a flight over this state during which passengers are being transported a key or other device for opening such door from the passenger side of the door.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.