Which team member is primarily responsible for overseeing the pushback process?

The Captain is primarily responsible for overseeing the pushback process because they hold the ultimate authority for the safety and operation of the aircraft before takeoff. During pushback, the Captain communicates with the ground crew and the pushback operator, ensuring that all safety protocols are followed and that everyone involved is aware of the aircraft's status. The Captain's decisions guide the pushback process, making them key to its execution.

While the other roles, like the Pushback Operator, Ground Crew, and Maintenance Team, play important parts in the overall operation, they report to the Captain and are executed under the Captain's guidance. The Pushback Operator directly handles the equipment, the Ground Crew assists in various on-ground operations, and the Maintenance Team’s role pertains to the aircraft's upkeep rather than specific pushback duties. Thus, the Captain is central to overseeing and coordinating all activities during the pushback, reflecting their responsibility for the flight's safety and efficiency.