Definition
Section 91.3 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, titled 'Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command.' It establishes that the pilot in command is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of the aircraft. It also permits the pilot in command to deviate from any rule of Part 91 to the extent required to meet an in-flight emergency, and requires a written report to the Administrator on request when such a deviation occurs.
Plain English
A federal aviation rule that says the pilot in command is in charge of the aircraft and is responsible for what happens on the flight. In an emergency, the pilot is allowed to break other Part 91 rules if doing so is needed to handle the emergency, but may have to explain it afterward in writing.
Context Anchor
Seen in emergency procedures, decision-making discussions, and any situation where the pilot must choose between strict rule-following and immediate safety.
Derivation
The symbol § means 'section' and comes from a medieval Latin shorthand for 'signum sectionis' (mark of a section). '91.3' refers to Part 91, Section 3 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. So '§ 91.3' is read aloud as 'section ninety-one point three.'
Why Pilots Care
It gives the pilot legal authority to act decisively in an emergency without violating regulations.
Grounding Statement
If the aircraft is in immediate danger, § 91.3 is the rule that says the pilot in command may do what is necessary to keep the flight safe.
Intuition Check
Do not read § 91.3 as a free pass to ignore rules. It applies to the pilot’s authority and responsibility, and emergency deviations must be limited to what the situation requires.
Example Sentence 1
When ATC could not approve an immediate descent, the captain declared an emergency and descended under the authority of § 91.3.
Example Sentence 2
Training emphasized that § 91.3 places full responsibility for safe operation on the pilot in command at all times.