For proper operational practices, what must take priority when comparing company and regulatory guidelines?

In aviation operations, adherence to company policies is crucial for maintaining safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. However, when it comes to the comparison of company and regulatory guidelines, regulatory guidelines take precedence. The reason that choice emphasizing the need to follow company policies is highlighted may stem from understanding the structure and expectations set by regulatory authorities.

Regulatory guidelines are established by governing bodies to ensure uniform safety standards and compliance across the industry. These regulations often form the minimum acceptable safety and operational standards. While company procedures are designed to complement and enhance these regulatory requirements, they cannot override them.

In a practical scenario, if a company's policy is less stringent than the regulatory guidelines, the company must still adhere to the regulatory standards. This adherence ensures that all operations conducted by the company remain safe and compliant with federal laws and industry standards. Therefore, recognizing that regulatory guidelines take precedence emphasizes the importance of a safety-first culture in aviation operations while also highlighting the role of company policies in reinforcing these regulations rather than diminishing them.