Persons on board (POB) refers to the total number of individuals present on an aircraft, encompassing both passengers and crew members. This figure is recorded in Item 19 of the filed flight plan, marked with a “P/” prefix. For example, it might appear as “P/123”. If the exact number isn’t known at the time of filing, the abbreviation TBN, which stands for “to be notified,” is used instead. An example would be “P/TBN.” The POB information plays a crucial role during search and rescue operations. It can be obtained from the flight plan or directly from the pilot. However, retrieving it from the flight plan often requires special procedures, as Item 19 may not be available in all databases. Therefore, air traffic controller checklists typically include a prompt to ask the crew about POB, especially when an emergency landing is anticipated, such as in situations involving fire, hydraulic issues, or fuel problems.
