Part 91Subpart A

General Operating and Flight Rules

91.3 PIC Responsibility/Authority• Final authority• Directly responsible for operation of aircraft• Emergency situation

– May deviate from any rule of this part to the extent required to meet the emergency

• Request from Administrator– Written report of that deviation

91.5 PIC >1 Required Pilot• 61.58

91.9 Civil Aircraft Requirements• No person may operate a civil aircraft

without complying with the operating limitations in the – Flight Manual– Markings– Placards

• No person may operate a U.S. registered civil aircraft unless there is – A current, approved flight manual– A current approved flight manual,

approved manual material, markings, and placards, or any combination thereof

91.11 Crewmember Interference– No person may assault, threaten,

intimidate, or interfere with a crewmember in the performance of the crewmember’s duties

91.13 Careless or Reckless Operation– No person may operate an aircraft in a

careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another

– No person may operate an aircraft, other than for the purpose of air navigation, on any part of the surface of an airport in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another

91.17 Alcohol or Drugs• No person may act or attempt to act as a

crewmember of a civil aircraft:– Within 8 hours after the consumption of any

alcoholic beverage– While under the influence of alcohol– While using any drug that affects the person’s

faculty in any way contrary to safety– Having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or

greater

• Except in an emergency, no pilot may allow anyone who appears to be intoxicated or who demonstrates by manner or physical indications they are under the influence of drugs to be carried in that aircraft

91.17 Alcohol or Drugs• Crewmember shall do the following:

– At the request of a law enforcement officer• Submit to test to indicate alcohol concentration in the

blood when • Officer is authorized to conduct test• Submission is to investigate suspected violation state

or local law

– Whenever FAA has reasonable basis that person may have violated

• Request from Administrator, furnish results of each test taken within 4 hours after acting or attempting to act as a crewmember

• Test info may be evaluated in determining qualifications for any airman certificate

91.19 Carriage of Drugs• No person may operate a civil aircraft within

the U.S. with knowledge that narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs are carried in the aircraft

• Does not apply to any substances authorized by Federal or State statue/agency

91.21 Portable Electronic Devices• Not allowed on any U.S. register civil aircraft

– Operated by holder of air carrier operating certificate or operating certificate

– Any other aircraft while it is operated under IFR

• No person may operate any portable electronic device except for:• Portable voice recorders• Hearing aids• Heart pacemakers• Electric shavers• Any other portable electronic device the operator

of the aircraft has determined will not cause interference with navigation or communication system of the aircraft

91.25 Aviation Safety Reporting• FAA will not use reports submitted to NASA

under the Aviation Safety Reporting Program (ASRP) in any enforcement action, except information concerning accidents or criminal offenses

• NASA Form provides form of immunity if:– Violation was inadvertent and not deliberate– Violation did not involve criminal offense,

accident, or action which “discloses lack of qualifications

Warning: If criminal offense or accident is revealed, NASA will forward to FAA, NTSB, Department of Justice

91.25 Aviation Safety Reporting• NASA Form provides form of immunity if:

– Reporter has not been found to have committed any prior FAA enforcement action in the last 5 years

– Reporter proves that, within 10 days after the event, has filled out and sent NASA form

Part 91Subpart B

Flight Rules - General

91.103 Preflight Action• Each PIC shall, before beginning a flight,

become familiar with all available information concerning the flight, including:– For a flight under IFR or a flight not in the

vicinity of an airport, weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be completed

– For any flight, runway lengths at airports of intended use and takeoff and landing distance information

91.105 Flight Crewmembers• During takeoff and landing, and while

enroute, each required crewmember shall:– Be at the crewmember station unless absence is

necessary to perform duties in connection with the operation of the aircraft

– Keep the safety belt fastened while at the crewmember station• Does not apply if the seat at the crewmember’s station

is not equipped with a shoulder harness, or• The crewmember would be unable to perform required

duties with the shoulder harness fastened

91.107 Safety Belts, ETC• No pilot may takeoff an aircraft unless each

person on board is briefed on how to fasten and unfasten their safety belt/shoulder harness

• No pilot may cause to be moved on the surface, takeoff, or land unless each person on board has been notified to fasten their safety belt/shoulder harness

• Each person on board must occupy an approved seat or berth with a safety belt/shoulder harness during movement on the surface, takeoff, and landing

91.111 Operating Near Other Aircraft

• No pilot may operate an aircraft so close to another aircraft as to create a collision hazard

• No pilot may operate an aircraft in formation flight except by arrangement with the pilot in command of each aircraft in the formation

• No person may operate an aircraft, carrying passengers for hire, in formation flight

91.113 Right-of-Way Rules• Vigilance shall be maintained by each

person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft

• In Distress– An aircraft in distress has the right-of-way over

all other air traffic

• Converging (same category)– When aircraft of the same category are

converging at approximately the same altitude, the aircraft to the other’s right has the right-of-way

– Balloon has the right-of-way over any other category aircraft

91.113 Right-of-Way Rules• Converging (different categories)

– Glider has the right-of-way over an airship, powered parachute, weight-shift-control aircraft, airplane, or rotorcraft

– Airship has the right-of-way over a powered parachute, weight-shift-control aircraft, airplane, or rotorcraft

91.113 Right-of-Way Rules• Approaching Head-on

• When aircraft are approaching each other head-on, or nearly so, each pilot of each aircraft shall alter course to the right

• Overtaking– Aircraft being overtaken has the right-of-way and

each pilot of an overtaking aircraft shall alter course to the right to pass well clear

• Landing– Aircraft, while on final approach to land or while

landing, have the right-of-way over other aircraft in flight or operating on the surface

– 2 or more aircraft approaching airport, aircraft at the lower altitude has the right-of-way

91.117 Aircraft Speed• < 10,000 feet MSL

– No more than 250 knots

• Within 4 NM of the primary airport of a Class C or D airspace– Unless authorized, no person may operate an

aircraft at or below 2,500 feet above the surface– At an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots

• Airspace underlying a Class B airspace area designated for an airport or in a VFR corridor through Class B airspace– No person may operate an aircraft at an indicated

airspeed > 200 knots

91.117 Aircraft Speed• If the minimum safe airspeed for an operation is

greater than the maximum speed prescribe– the aircraft may be operated at that minimum speed

91.119 Minimum Safe Altitudes• Anywhere

– An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without due hazard to persons or property on the surface

• Congested areas (or assembly of persons)– Altitude of 1,000 feet about the highest obstacle

within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft

• Other than congested areas– Altitude of 500 feet about the surface, except

over open water or sparsely populated areas

91.121 Altimeter Settings• Operating an aircraft by maintaining the

cruising altitude/flight level by reference to an altimeter set when operating– Below 18,000 feet MSL to

• Current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and within 100 NM of the aircraft

• If there is no station available, the current reported altimeter setting of an appropriate available station

• Aircraft not equipped with radio, elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure

– At or above 18,000 feet MSL, • 29.92

• Lowest usable flight level– See chart in Part 91 Page 65

91.123 Compliance with ATC Clearances

• No PIC may deviate from an ATC clearance unless– An amended clearance is obtained– An emergency exists– Deviation is in response to a traffic alert and

collision avoidance system resolution advisory

• Uncertain of ATC directions?!?!?!– Immediately request clarification

91.123 Compliance with ATC Clearances

• ATC control is exercised in an area– May not operate an aircraft contrary to ATC

instruction, unless• An emergency exists

• TCAS alert or emergency situation causes deviation from ATC instructions – Actions?– Notify ATC of that deviation asap

• You’re given priority by ATC in emergency situation – Actions?– Submit detailed report of emergency– Within 48 hours– Manager of that ATC facility– If requested

91.125 ATC Light Signals

Surface In-flight

Steady green Cleared for takeoff Cleared to land

Flashing green Cleared to taxi Return for landing

Steady red Stop Give way to other aircraft and

continue circling

Flashing red Taxi clear of runway Airport unsafe – do in use not land

Flashing white Return to starting Not applicable

point on airport

Alternating red Exercise extreme caution

And green

91.126 Operating in Class G Airspace• When approaching to land at an airport

without an operating tower– Make all turns to the left unless– Airport displays approved light signal or visual

markings indicating right turns should be made

• Communication with control towers– Two-way radio communication has to be

maintained between aircraft and control tower– Communications must be established prior to

4 NM from airport, up to and including 2,500 AGL– If radio fails in-flight, PIC may operate/land if:

• Weather is at or above basic VFR weather minimums• Visual contact with tower is maintained• Clearance to land is received

91.127 Operating in Class E Airspace• Must comply with requirements of Class G

airspace• Departures

– Must comply with any traffic patterns established for that airport in Part 93

• Communication with control towers– Two-way radio communication has to be

maintained between aircraft and control tower– Communications must be established prior to

4 NM from airport, up to and including 2,500 AGL– If radio fails in-flight, PIC may operate/land if:

• Weather is at or above basic VFR weather minimums• Visual contact with tower is maintained• Clearance to land is received

91.129 Operating in Class D Airspace• Must comply with requirements of Class E &

G airspace• Communications

– Must have two-way radio communication• Arrival or through flight• Departing flight

– If communication fails during:• IFR – comply with 91.185 section• VFR – May operate and land if:

– Weather conditions are at or above VFR weather minimums– Visual contact with tower is maintained– Clearance to land is received

91.129 Operating in Class D Airspace• Minimum altitudes

– Must enter traffic pattern• At least 1,500 feet above the elevation of the airport and• Maintain at least 1,500 feet until further descent is

required for a safe landing

• Approaches– Circle the airport to the left

• Departures– Comply with established departure procedures– Climb to 1,500 feet above surface ASAP

• Noise abatement• Takeoff, landing, taxi clearance

91.130 Operating in Class C Airspace• May takeoff or land only when in compliance

with FAA arrival and departure traffic patterns

• Traffic Patterns– Cannot takeoff or land from satellite airport

within airspace without FAA compliance

91.130 Operating in Class C Airspace• Two way communications requirement

– Arrival or through flight• Establish with ATC facility• Maintain communication

– Departing – control tower• Establish and maintain with control tower

– Departing – No control tower• Establish and maintain communications with ATC

facility having jurisdiction

91.130 Operating in Class C Airspace• Equipment

– Operable coded radar beacon transponder• Without a transponder, request to enter airspace must

be made at least one hour before the proposed operation

– Mode C capability• Automatic pressure altitude reporting

• Deviations

91.131 Operating in Class B Airspace• Operating Rules• Pilot requirements

– Hold at least private pilot certificate– Student pilot who meet requirements

• Communication and navigation equipment– For IFR

• Operable VOR or TACAN receiver or an operable and suitable RNAV system

– All operations• Operable two-way radio capable of communications

with ATC on appropriate frequencies for than airspace

• Transponder requirements– Operable transponder and automatic altitude

reporting equipment

91.133 Restricted & Prohibited Areas• Cannot operate within these areas unless• Using or controlling agency gives

permission

91.135 Operating in Class A Airspace• Clearance

– Can only operate when ATC clearance is received prior to entering airspace

• Communication– Operable two-way radio capable of

communications with ATC on appropriate frequencies for their airspace

• Transponder requirements– Operable transponder and automatic altitude

reporting equipment (91.215)

• Airspace– From 18,000 feet to and including FL600Requests for deviation from any provision must be submitted

in writing, at least 4 days before proposed operation

91.137 & .138 Temporary Flight Restrictions• FAA will issue NOTAM

– No person may operate an aircraft within designated area unless participating

91.139 Emergency Air Traffic Rules• When FAA determines emergency condition

exists, or will exist– Immediately issues effective air traffic rule or

regulation– May use NOTAM system to provide notification

of rule or regulation– No aircraft may operate within designated area

unless authorized

91.141 Presidential Flight Restrictions• May not operate over or in the vicinity of any

area to be visited or traveled by the President, Vice President, or other public figures

91.143 Space Flight Operations• May not operate within areas designated in

a NOTAM for space flight operations

91.145 Major Events

• Issue NOTAM designating airspace

91.146 Passenger-carrying flight charitable

See page 100

91.147 Passenger carrying flights – compensation or for hire

• See page 104

91.151 Fuel Requirements in VFR

• Enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and (under normal cruise)– Day – fly after that for at least 30 minutes– Night – fly after that for at least 45 minutes

91.153 VFR Flight Plan Requirements• See page 106 for list

91.155 Basic VFR Weather Minimums

Airspace Visibility Distance cloudsClass A NA NA

Class B 3 SM Clear of clouds

Class C 3 SM 1,000 ft above

500 ft below

2,000 ft horizontal

Class D 3 SM 1,000 ft above

500 ft below

2,000 ft horizontal

91.155 Basic VFR Weather Minimums

Airspace Visibility Distance cloudsClass E 3 SM 1,000 ft above

(< 10,000 ft MSL) 500 ft below

2,000 ft horizontal

Class E 5 SM 1,000 ft above

(>= 10,000 ft MSL) 500 ft below

2,000 ft horizontal

Class G 1 SM 1,000 ft above

(1,200 ft or less/Day) 500 ft below

2,000 ft horizontal

Class G 3 SM 1,000 ft above

(1,200 ft or less/Night) 500 ft below

2,000 ft horizontal

91.155 Basic VFR Weather Minimums

Airspace Visibility Distance cloudsClass G 1 SM 1,000 ft above

(>1,200 ft, <10,000 ft/Day)500 ft below

2,000 ft horizontal

Class G 3 SM 1,000 ft above

(>1,200 ft, <10,000 ft/Night) 500 ft below

2,000 ft horizontal

Class G 5 SM 1,000 ft above

(>1,200 ft, >=10,000 ft) 1,00 ft below

1 SM horizontal

91.157 Special VFR Weather Minimums• Only conducted

– With an ATC clearance– Clear of clouds– Flight visibility is at least 1 SM– Between sunrise and sunset

• May takeoff and land when– Ground visibility is at least 1 SM– If ground visibility is not reported, flight visibility

is at least 1 SM

*Special VFR clearance is designed to allow a pilot to depart from an airport in a control zone (Class D) when weather is below VFR minimums, but normal VFR flight is possible once clear of zone

91.159 VFR Flight Levels

• Operating below 18,000 MSL– Mag course of 000 to 179 degrees

• Odd thousand foot MSL + 500 ft*

– Mag course of 180 to 359 degrees• Even thousand foot MSL + 500 ft*

*Except when holding in a holding pattern of 2 minutes or less, or while turning

• When operating above 18,000 MSL, maintain flight level assigned by ATC

91.167 IFR Fuel Requirements

• Carry enough fuel to – Complete flight to the first airport of intended

landing– Fly from that airport to the alternate airport**

**Does not apply if:• Standard instrument approach is available and• Appropriate weather reports and weather forecasts

indicate

- ETA+ 1 hour

- Ceiling will be at least 2,000 ft above airport elevation

- Visibility will be at least 3 SM

Fly after that for 45 minutes at normal cruising speed

91.169 IFR Flight - Information Required• Same info as VFR flight plan plus• Alternate airport unless

– Standard instrument approach to the first airport of intended landing, and

– Appropriate weather reports and weather forecasts indicate

- ETA+ 1 hour

- Ceiling will be at least 2,000 ft above airport elevation

- Visibility will be at least 3 SM

91.169 IFR Flight - Information Required• IFR alternate airport weather minima

– At estimated time of arrival, use alternate airport minima

– If no minima are specified, use standard airport minima• Precision

– Ceiling 600 feet and visibility 2 SM

• Non-precision– Ceiling 800 feet and visibility 2 SM

• If no instrument approach procedure has been published– Ceiling and visibility minima are those allowing

descent from the MEA, approach, and landing under basic VFR

91.169 IFR Flight - Information Required• Cancellation of activated flight plan

– PIC shall notify• FAA Flight Service Station or,• ATC facility

91.173 ATC Clearance and Flight Plan– File an IFR flight plan– Receive appropriate clearance

91.175 Takeoff and Landing under IFR– See page 122

91.177 Minimum Altitudes for IFR OperationsSee page 131

91.179 IFR Flight Levels

• Controlled airspace– Maintain FL assigned by ATC

• Uncontrolled airspace– Operating below 18,000 MSL

• Mag course of 000 to 179 degrees– Odd thousand foot MSL

• Mag course of 180 to 359 degrees– Even thousand foot MSL

– Operating above 18,000 MSL but <FL290• Mag course of 000 to 179 degrees

– Any odd FL

• Mag course of 180 to 359 degrees– Any even FL

91.183 IFR Radio Communications

• Maintain appropriate frequency and report:– Time and altitude of passing each designated

reporting point, or points designated by ATC– Any unforecast weather conditions encountered– Any other information relating to safety of flight

91.185 Two-way Radio Communications Failure• VFR conditions

– Continue flight under VFR and land as soon as practicable

• IFR conditions– Continue flight according to:

• Route – Last assigned by ATC, or what ATC advised may be expected in a

further clearance– Absence of these, by the route filed in the flight plan

• Altitude– Highest of the FLs being flown, or last assigned by ATC– Minimum altitude for IFR operations