When a pilot causes an incident while deviating for personal reasons, what is a potential outcome regarding employer liability?

In aviation law, the principle of vicarious liability generally holds that an employer can be held responsible for the actions of an employee if those actions occur within the scope of employment. However, when a pilot deviates for personal reasons that are clearly outside the scope of their employment, the situation changes significantly.

The correct response highlights the principle that the pilot may bear complete liability for any incidents that occur as a result of personal deviation from their professional duties. This stems from the understanding that the employer’s responsibility is typically linked to actions taken in the interest of the employer and during the execution of job-related tasks. If a pilot acts solely based on personal motivations — rather than in service to their employer — it establishes a clear boundary where the employer would not be held liable for the pilot's actions.

In this context, the other options do not align with established legal principles regarding employer liability. For instance, if liability were to be shared equally or if the employer were liable despite the pilot's personal motives, it would undermine the foundation of operating within established job responsibilities. Similarly, a scenario where an employer may be held liable if the loss is minimal does not typically occur under established aviation law, as the critical factor is whether the actions were within the scope of employment