14 CFR 91.13 — Careless or Reckless Operation
Prohibits operating an aircraft in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another.
Regulation Text
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 in a careless or reckless manner within the lateral boundaries of the surface areas of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace designated for an airport.
Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.
Plain-English Explanation
This is the FAA's catch-all regulation. Even if you are not technically violating any specific rule, if your operation is careless or reckless enough to endanger others, you can be violated under this section. The FAA uses this regulation when a pilot's actions are clearly unsafe but do not fit neatly into another specific regulation. It is the aviation equivalent of reckless driving.
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.
§91.11114 CFR 91.111 — Operating Near Other Aircraft
Prohibits operating so close to another aircraft as to create a collision hazard. Formation flight requires prior arrangement.
§91.11914 CFR 91.119 — Minimum Safe Altitudes
1,000 feet above obstacles in congested areas (within 2,000 ft horizontal), 500 feet AGL over uncongested areas, and safe altitude over open water or sparsely populated areas.
Pass your FAA exam in 30 days
Pilot Exam Crash Course
This regulation will be on your exam. Get 1,000+ practice questions with instant explanations. 94% of students pass on their first attempt.
50% off first month. Cancel anytime. 2,200+ questions.
Or subscribe for full access
All Exams, All Regulations — $7.49/mo
1,000+ questions covering all FARs. Cancel after you pass.
Cancel anytime. No commitment.