Regulations Flashcards
What are the primary regulatory documents pilots must follow?
FARs (14 CFR) and Airworthiness Directives
The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), found in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), provide the mandatory rules for aviation operations. Part 61 covers pilot certification requirements (how to get your certificate), while Part 91 contains operating rules (how to keep your certificate). Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are also regulatory and mandatory, similar to consumer recalls for design defects. While the AIM and Advisory Circulars provide valuable guidance, they are not regulatory documents.
What authority and responsibility does § 91.3 give to the pilot in command?
PIC is directly responsible for and final authority of aircraft operation, with emergency deviation authority
The pilot in command (PIC) has ultimate responsibility for the safe operation of the aircraft. No other entity - not ATC, maintenance, or the flight school - can override the PIC’s authority regarding the operation of that aircraft. Additionally, in an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the PIC may deviate from any rule to the extent required to meet that emergency. This significant authority comes with equally significant responsibility.
What are the basic VFR weather minimums?
3 statute miles visibility and 1000 ft ceiling
The basic Visual Flight Rules (VFR) weather minimums require 3 statute miles visibility and a 1000-foot ceiling. These minimums ensure pilots can see and avoid terrain, obstacles, and other aircraft. While Special VFR operations might be possible below these minimums with additional requirements, these basic minimums form the foundation for visual flight operations.
What are the minimum fuel requirements for VFR flight?
Day: 30 minutes reserve, Night: 45 minutes reserve
Under VFR conditions, pilots must have enough fuel to reach their intended destination and then fly for an additional 30 minutes during day operations or 45 minutes during night operations at normal cruising speed. While these are legal minimums, safe operation often requires carrying more fuel considering factors like gauge accuracy, unexpected headwinds, or potential diversions.
What are the cruising altitude requirements above 3000 feet AGL?
NE-ODD: 0°-179° use odd thousands +500 feet, 180°-359° use even thousands +500 feet
The “NE-ODD” rule helps pilots remember proper cruising altitudes above 3000 feet AGL. For magnetic courses from 0° through 179° (Northeast), use odd thousand foot altitudes plus 500 feet MSL. For courses from 180° through 359°, use even thousand foot altitudes plus 500 feet MSL. Remember that magnetic course, not heading, determines the appropriate altitude.
What are the minimum safe altitude requirements over congested areas?
1000 feet above highest obstacle within 2000 feet radius
When flying over congested areas of cities, towns, or settlements, aircraft must maintain an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft. This provides a safety buffer for emergency landings while minimizing noise impact on populated areas. Over non-congested areas, the minimum is 500 feet above the surface except over open water or sparsely populated areas.
What are the aircraft speed limits below 10,000 feet MSL?
Maximum 250 knots, with 200 knot limit under Class B or near C/D
Under § 91.117, aircraft must not exceed 250 knots indicated airspeed when operating below 10,000 feet MSL. Additional restrictions apply under Class B airspace or near Class C/D airports, where speeds must not exceed 200 knots. These speed limits help ensure safe separation and reaction times in busier airspace.
What preflight actions are required under § 91.103?
Become familiar with ALL available information concerning the flight
Pilots must familiarize themselves with all available information before beginning a flight. This must include runway lengths and takeoff/landing distance data, but should also encompass weather conditions, NOTAMs, airport information, aircraft performance data, weight and balance calculations, and maintenance records. This comprehensive preparation helps ensure safe flight operations.
What are the right-of-way rules for aircraft operation?
Aircraft in distress have priority, then balloons, gliders, airships, aircraft being overtaken
Right-of-way rules establish a hierarchy with aircraft in distress having absolute priority. Among different categories, balloons have right-of-way over all other aircraft, followed by gliders, airships, and then powered aircraft. When aircraft are in the same category, the aircraft being overtaken has right-of-way, and the overtaking aircraft must pass well clear to the right. For head-on approaches, both aircraft must alter course to the right.
What night lighting is required for aircraft position identification?
Red light on left wing (port), green on right (starboard), white on tail
Aircraft operating at night must display position lights that help other pilots determine the aircraft’s direction of movement. The red light on the left wing (port side), green light on the right wing (starboard side), and white light on the tail create a standardized system for identifying aircraft position and direction of flight during nighttime operations.
