14 CFR 91.103 — Preflight Action
PIC must familiarize themselves with all available information concerning the flight, including weather, fuel requirements, alternatives, runway lengths, and performance data.
Regulation Text
Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. This information must include: for IFR or any flight not in the vicinity of an airport, weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be completed, and known traffic delays. For any flight, runway lengths at airports of intended use, and the aircraft's takeoff and landing distance data.
Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.
Plain-English Explanation
Before every flight, you must check everything relevant: weather, NOTAMs, fuel requirements, runway lengths, performance data, and any other pertinent information. For IFR flights or flights away from the airport vicinity, this also includes alternate airports and traffic delay information. This regulation is the legal basis for thorough preflight planning and is one of the most commonly cited regulations on exams.
Tested On These Exams
Related Regulations
14 CFR 91.3 — Responsibility and Authority of the Pilot in Command
The PIC is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of the aircraft. In an emergency, the PIC may deviate from any rule to the extent required.
§91.16914 CFR 91.169 — IFR Flight Plan: Information Required
Specifies IFR flight plan requirements and the conditions under which an alternate airport must be listed.
§91.15114 CFR 91.151 — Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions
VFR day: fuel to destination plus 30-minute reserve. VFR night: fuel to destination plus 45-minute reserve.
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