Who has the authority to call for an overrun if it becomes imminent?

The authority to call for an overrun rests with the first crew to recognize that it is imminent. This approach is vital in aviation safety and coordination because the crew that identifies the situation is often best positioned to assess the circumstances and initiate a response. This can include the tanker crew or the receiver crew depending on the context of the operation, as both sides need to remain vigilant during aerial refueling.

Prompt communication and decision-making are essential to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of all involved. By allowing the crew that first identifies the need for an overrun to make the call, the process remains fluid and responsive, prioritizing real-time situational awareness.

In situations where air traffic control is involved, they play a crucial role in overall traffic management and safety but do not have the direct responsibility or authority to call for an overrun in this specific operational context. The same applies to the tanker crew and receiver crew, as they are ultimately part of the same operational team, and would respond collaboratively once the imminent threat is recognized.