Definition
A federal aviation regulation that establishes the pilot in command (PIC) as the person directly responsible for, and the final authority over, the operation of an aircraft. It also permits the PIC to deviate from any rule in Part 91 to the extent required to meet an in-flight emergency, and requires a written report of any such deviation if requested by the FAA Administrator.
Plain English
The rule that says the pilot in command is the one in charge of the flight and is responsible for what happens during it. If a real emergency comes up, the pilot is allowed to break the rules as much as needed to handle it, but may have to explain in writing afterward.
Context Anchor
Seen in aeronautical decision-making, emergency authority, flight reviews, checkrides, and discussions of who has the final say during a flight.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the published collection of U.S. federal rules. Title 14 covers Aeronautics and Space, and Part 91 contains the General Operating and Flight Rules that apply to most civil flying. Section 91.3 is one specific rule within that part.
Why Pilots Care
This regulation gives the pilot in command the legal right to make safety decisions, including deviating from instructions or procedures when necessary.
Grounding Statement
If safety requires an immediate decision in flight, the pilot in command has the authority to make it and the responsibility to answer for it.
Intuition Check
Do not read “authority” here as permission to do anything at any time. It means final legal decision-making power for operating the aircraft, especially when safety requires immediate action. Do not read “responsibility” as a shared general duty only. Here it means the pilot in command is directly accountable for the aircraft’s operation.
Example Sentence 1
Under 14 CFR 91.3, the captain elected to descend below the assigned altitude to clear severe icing, then filed a written report when the FAA requested one.
Example Sentence 2
During the lesson the instructor pointed out that 14 CFR Section 91.3 places final authority for the flight with the student once they become pilot in command.