Where's It Say That?

Where’s It Say That?

Editorial Staff

Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 01:38 PM ET

Verified

December

Key Takeaways:

Many common aviation myths stem from misinterpreting complex FAA regulations (FARs), often applying rules intended for commercial or larger aircraft to non-commercial Part 91 operations.
Specific debunked myths for Part 91 pilots include requirements for D-cell flashlights for night flight, mandatory life rafts or PFDs for overwater operations, and a blanket prohibition on dropping objects from an aircraft.
The article clarifies nuanced regulations such as the various definitions of "night" for different flight purposes, the complete criteria for filing IFR alternate airports beyond the basic "1-2-3 rule," and the "eight hours bottle to throttle" rule which also includes an alcohol concentration limit.
While many perceived requirements are myths for Part 91 operations, the FARs establish minimum standards, and pilots are encouraged to exceed them for safety, such as carrying a suitable light source or personal flotation devices.

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Just as with any other complex endeavor that’s developed over time, aviation has many myths. That’s especially true when it comes to FAA regulations—the FARs. To be fair, there are a lot of regulations, and many of them are written for attorneys, not pilots. Especially for newer pilots or those who fly different aircraft in different operations, some of it can seem overwhelming and confusing. In other words, bad interpretations or outright falsehoods—either of which we’ll label as myths—can be created and persist.

One of our all-time favorite myths was that the FAA was going to postpone the January 1, 2020, date for ADS-B compliance. That one persisted even when one FAA suit after another went on the record to state the exact opposite. With that as preamble, here are some of our favorite myths about the FARs when operating as a non-commercial flight under Part 91.