The inquiry was told by a witness that the extra person was taken on board after a request was lodged with the pilot, who agreed.

BBC: News | UK | Noel Edmonds' charity helicopter 'overloaded'

"Request climb to FL360, " meaning the pilot wanted to take the flight from London to Minneapolis up a bit to 36, 000 feet above sea level.

WSJ: Texting While Flying: Help for Pilots

The pilot at the IRS involves using eSignature for Form 4506-T, the Request for Transcript of Tax Return form.

FORBES: eSignature Serves The Public Sector