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 operating an aircraft in a manner that endangers the life or property of another, applicable to both air navigation and surface operations.
The core of "careless or reckless operation" lies in actual endangerment, not merely the appearance of danger to someone unfamiliar with aviation.
Pilots flying according to published patterns and recommended altitudes are generally not considered to be operating carelessly or recklessly, despite potential complaints.

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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.