Definition
The federal regulations in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 91, Section 91.307, that govern when parachutes must be worn and what type of parachutes are required during certain flight maneuvers. In general, when an aircraft carries any person other than a required crewmember, each occupant must wear an approved parachute if the aircraft is intentionally flown beyond a bank angle of 60 degrees relative to the horizon, or in a nose-up or nose-down attitude of more than 30 degrees relative to the horizon. The rule does not apply to flight tests for pilot certification or rating, or to spins and other maneuvers required by the regulations when conducted by a certificated flight instructor with a student.
Plain English
An FAA rule that says if you take a passenger up and plan to do steep maneuvers — banking more than 60 degrees, or pitching more than 30 degrees up or down — everyone on board must wear an approved parachute. There are exceptions for certain training and checkride situations.
Context Anchor
Seen when preparing for intentional spin training, aerobatic practice, or any planned maneuver that may go beyond normal pitch or bank limits.
Derivation
‘14 CFR’ refers to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the section of U.S. federal law covering aeronautics and space. ‘Part 91’ is the chapter within Title 14 that contains the general operating and flight rules for civil aircraft. Knowing this helps because pilots see ‘Part 91’ referenced constantly — it is the rulebook most general aviation flying is conducted under.
Why Pilots Care
Compliance ensures both legal operation and personal safety when practicing spins or aerobatics, preventing regulatory violations that could ground training or result in enforcement action.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “spin practice” always means “parachutes are required,” and do not assume “training flight” always means “parachutes are not required.” The rule depends on who is aboard, what maneuver is planned, and whether a specific FAA exception applies.
Example Sentence 1
Before taking a friend up to practice steep turns, the pilot reviewed the 14 CFR Part 91 parachute requirements to confirm that staying within 60 degrees of bank kept them in compliance.
Example Sentence 2
Before solo spin practice the student verified that the available parachutes satisfied 14 CFR part 91 parachute requirements and had been packed recently.