What does the term 'crew' typically refer to in aviation?

In aviation, the term 'crew' primarily refers to the group responsible for the operation of the flight. This includes both the flight crew, which consists of pilots and co-pilots who navigate and control the aircraft, as well as the cabin crew, which includes flight attendants who ensure the safety and comfort of passengers during the flight. The crew is trained to handle various emergency situations and provide customer service, making their role vital to the overall operation of the flight.

In contrast, passengers are the individuals traveling on the aircraft and have no operational responsibilities. Ground staff are personnel who support various functions at the airport, such as ticketing and baggage handling, but they do not operate the aircraft. Aircraft maintenance personnel are responsible for ensuring the aircraft is in safe operating condition before and after flights but are not involved during the flight itself, making them separate from the crew. Navigating these definitions is important for understanding the roles and responsibilities within aviation.