What action must be taken when there are unscheduled changes in the crew or passenger list?

When there are unscheduled changes in the crew or passenger list, notifying Command and Control (C2) prior to departure is crucial. This action ensures that all relevant parties are aware of the current status of the flight. C2 is responsible for tracking flight operations and ensuring that any adjustments in personnel are recorded for safety, operational, and legal reasons. Updating the passenger and crew list aids in maintaining accurate mission information and ensures that there are no discrepancies or confusion once the aircraft is in operation.

Informing C2 before departure is a fundamental part of flight safety and compliance with operational protocols. This practice helps to mitigate risk, as it ensures that those responsible for managing and monitoring the flight are fully informed and prepared for any changes that might affect the planned operation. Keeping C2 informed supports effective communication and resource management during missions, which is essential for successful operations.

Other options, like updating the mission briefing after departure or changing the flight plan mid-flight, could lead to complications or breaches of protocol. These actions could disrupt operations and increase risk without prior coordination and approval from C2 or other relevant command structures.