Does a Low Flying Complaint Automatically Equal an FAA Violation?

Agency rule addresses ‘careless or reckless operation’ for pilots.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The FAA doesn't define careless or reckless because it's in the eye of the beholder and the agency inspector reviewing your alleged transgression. [Credit: P. Alejandro Díaz/Wikimedia Commons]

Key Takeaways:

cFAR 91.13 defines "careless or reckless operation" as any action that "endanger[s] the life or property of another."
A pilot operating within published flight patterns and recommended altitudes is generally not considered to be flying carelessly or recklessly, even if perceived as such by non-aviators.
Despite the subjective nature of some complaints, the FAA is obligated to investigate all reported instances of alleged careless or reckless operation.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Question: Does the FAA have a definition of what constitutes “careless or reckless operation?” In ground school we learned about a student pilot who was accused of [that] by someone who lives near the airport because he allegedly flew too low when he was coming in for a landing.

Answer: From your description this sounds like someone who doesn’t like airplanes more than a legitimate safety concern. However, the FAA is required to investigate all complaints.