Definition
14 CFR 91.503 is the Federal Aviation Regulation that requires the pilot in command of a large or turbine-powered multiengine airplane (and certain other specified aircraft) to ensure specific flight materials are aboard the aircraft and accessible during flight. These materials include a current cockpit checklist, pertinent aeronautical charts, navigation charts and instrument approach charts for the route and any planned alternates under IFR, and survival/emergency equipment appropriate to the route flown.
Plain English
This is the FAA rule that says the captain of certain larger or turbine-powered airplanes must make sure the right checklists, maps, approach charts, and survival gear are on board and within reach before flying.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA handbooks, operating rules, and instrument procedure discussions when the text points you to the regulation that requires current charts and flight information to be available.
Derivation
The number comes from the layout of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. “91” means Part 91, which covers general operating and flight rules. “503” is the specific section number inside that part.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures critical operating information is immediately available, supporting safe decision-making and avoiding regulatory violations during flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read “91.503” as a procedure or checklist item by itself. It is a regulation reference: it points you to a specific legal rule.
Example Sentence 1
Before departing on the IFR leg to Denver, the captain confirmed compliance with 91.503 by verifying current approach plates for the destination and both filed alternates were aboard.
Example Sentence 2
During the ramp check the inspector confirmed compliance with 91.503 by reviewing the carried charts and manuals.