Part 91 Subpart A General Operating and Flight

Part 91 Subpart A General Operating and Flight Rules “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority” Ken Blanchard

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 • Upon request from Administrator – Written report of that deviation

91. 5 PIC >1 Required Pilot • Meet requirements of Part 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 (in aircraft) – 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 aboard aircraft 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 • Other than for the purpose of air navigation, on any part of the surface of an airport used by aircraft for air commerce 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 sections of this part • 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, marijuana, 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 91 Subpart B Flight Rules – General “Do not seek answers, But rather to understand the question” Caine

91. 103 Preflight Action • Before beginning a flight – Each PIC shall 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/unfasten their safety belt/shoulder harness • No pilot may cause an aircraft 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 – In formation flight except by arrangement with the pilot in command of each aircraft in the formation – 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-ofway

91. 113 Right-of-Way Rules • Converging (different categories) – Balloon has the right-of-way over any other category aircraft – 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 headon, 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 prescribed – 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: • 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

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 – May cancel IFR flight plan if: • Operation conducted in CFR conditions • Not in Class A airspace • 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 Flashing green Cleared to taxi Steady red Stop Cleared to land Flashing red Taxi clear of runway in use Airport unsafe – do not land Flashing white Return to starting Not applicable Return for landing Give way to other aircraft and continue circling point on airport Alternating red And green Exercise extreme caution

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 – In compliance with Part 91. 129 – Receive ATC clearance – Operate above designated floors of airspace • Pilot requirements – Hold at least private pilot certificate – Student pilot requirements (61. 94 or 61. 95)

91. 131 Operating in Class B Airspace • Communication and navigation equipment – 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 • IFR only and – Clearance • Can only operate when ATC clearance • Received prior to entering airspace – Communication • Operable two-way radio capable of communications with ATC on appropriate frequencies for their airspace • Must maintain two-way communication with ATC – Transponder requirements • Operable transponder and automatic altitude reporting equipment (91. 215) – Airspace • From 18, 000 feet to and including FL 600 Requests 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 See page 174 91. 146 Passenger-carrying flight charitable See page 175 91. 147 Passenger carrying flights – compensation or for hire • See page 176

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 176 for list

91. 155 Basic VFR Weather Minimums Airspace Visibility Distance clouds Class A Class B Class C NA 3 SM Class D 3 SM NA Clear of clouds 1, 000 ft above 500 ft below 2, 000 ft horizontal

91. 155 Basic VFR Weather Minimums Airspace Visibility Class E 3 SM (< 10, 000 ft MSL) Class E 5 SM (>= 10, 000 ft MSL) Class G 1 SM (1, 200 ft or less/Day) Class G 3 SM (1, 200 ft or less/Night) Distance clouds 1, 000 ft above 500 ft below 2, 000 ft horizontal 1, 000 ft above 1, 000 ft below 1 Sm horizontal Clear of clouds 1, 000 ft above 500 ft below 2, 000 ft horizontal

91. 155 Basic VFR Weather Minimums Airspace Visibility Class G 1 SM (>1, 200 ft, <10, 000 ft/Day) Class G 3 SM (>1, 200 ft, <10, 000 ft/Night) Class G (>=10, 000 ft) 5 SM Distance clouds 1, 000 ft above 500 ft below 2, 000 ft horizontal 1, 000 ft above 1, 000 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 184 91. 177 Minimum Altitudes for IFR Operations See page 187

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 <FL 290 • Mag course of 000 to 179 degrees – Any odd FL • Mag course of 180 to 359 degrees – Any even FL

91. 179 IFR Flight Levels • Uncontrolled airspace – Operating >=FL 290 • Mag course of 000 to 179 degrees – 4, 000 foot intervals – Beginning at (including) FL 290 • Mag course of 180 to 359 degrees – 4, 000 foot intervals – Beginning at (including) FL 310 – RVSM airspace • Mag course of 000 to 179 degrees – 2, 000 foot intervals – Beginning at (including) FL 290 • Mag course of 180 to 359 degrees – 2, 000 foot intervals – Beginning at (including) FL 300

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

Part 91 Subpart E Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations “Laws control the lesser man. Right conduct controls the greater one” Old Chinese Proverb

91. 403 General • Owner/Operator of aircraft is primarily for maintaining aircraft in airworthiness condition • No person may perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations on aircraft other than prescribed in this part • Airworthiness Limitations • Altering of aircraft

91. 405 Maintenance Required • Aircraft – Inspected as prescribed – Between Inspections • Have discrepancies repaired • Maintenance personnel – Make appropriate entries in • Aircraft maintenance records • Aircraft approved for return to service • Inoperative instrument/item of equipment – Repaired, replaced, removed or inspected – Next required inspection • Inoperative instruments or equipment – Placard installed as required

91. 407 Operation After Alteration • Approved for return to service – By authorized person – Maintenance record entry • Aircraft maintenance appreciably – Changed flight characteristics – Substantially affected operation in flight • Appropriately rated pilot • Operational check of maintenance performed or alteration made • Logs flight in aircraft records • Aircraft does not have to be flown if – Not changed flight characteristics – Not substantially affected operation in flight

91. 415 Changed to Aircraft Inspection • Revise approved program – Administrator approves if • Necessary for continued adequacy of program • Notify Administrator • Make any changed found necessary by Administrator • May petition Administrator – Filed petition to FSDO – Within 30 days after receiving notice – Petition stays notice pending decision • Except in case of emergency requiring immediate action

91. 417 Maintenance Records • Maintenance, preventive, or alteration – 100 -hour, annual, progressive, other required or approved inspections • Description of work performed • Date of completion of work performed • Signature and certificate number of person approving aircraft for return to service • Records retention – Until work is repeated/superseded by other work – 1 year after work is performed • Available for inspection – Administrator – Authorized representative of NTSB – Form 337 for law enforcement officer

91. 417 Maintenance Records • Records containing following information – Total time in service of airframe, engine, propeller, and rotor – Current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance – Time since last overhaul of all items installed on aircraft that are required to be overhauled on a specific time basis – Current inspection status of aircraft – Current status of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) • • Method of compliance AD number Revision date Recurring action – date when next action required

91. 417 Maintenance Records • Records retention – Retained and transferred with aircraft if sold – List of defects until defects are repaired and aircraft approved for return to service 91. 419 Transfer of Maintenance Records 91. 421 Rebuilt Engine Maintenance Records • Signed statement of date engine rebuilt • Each change made as required by AD • Each change made in compliance with manufacturer’s service bulletins