Preflight Action

FAR 91.103 — Preflight Action

FAR 91.103 requires the PIC to review weather, fuel, alternates, traffic delays, and runway/performance data before every flight. Study guide for pilots.

In Plain English

FAR 91.103 is the FAA's preflight homework rule. Before every flight, the pilot in command (PIC) must become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. The regulation breaks this into two buckets:

For IFR flights or flights not in the vicinity of an airport, you must review:
- Weather reports and forecasts
- Fuel requirements
- Alternatives available if the flight can't be completed as planned
- Known ATC traffic delays
For any flight, you must know:
- Runway lengths at airports of intended use
- Takeoff and landing distance data — from the approved AFM/POH if one is required, or otherwise from reliable performance information accounting for airport elevation, runway slope, gross weight, wind, and temperature

This matters operationally because a rushed or skipped preflight briefing is a leading cause of fuel exhaustion, runway overruns, and weather-related accidents. A useful memory aid is WKRAFT (Weather, Known ATC delays, Runway lengths, Alternates, Fuel, Takeoff/landing distance).

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 91.103

§ 91.103 Preflight action. Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. This information must include— (a) For a flight under IFR or a flight not in the vicinity of an airport, weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be completed, and any known traffic delays of which the pilot in command has been advised by ATC; (b) For any flight, runway lengths at airports of intended use, and the following takeoff and landing distance information: (1) For civil aircraft for which an approved Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual containing takeoff and landing distance data is required, the takeoff and landing distance data contained therein; and (2) For civil aircraft other than those specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, other reliable information appropriate to the aircraft, relating to aircraft performance under expected values of airport elevation and runway slope, aircraft gross weight, and wind and temperature.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What information are you required to review before a flight?

Per FAR 91.103, the PIC must become familiar with all available information concerning that flight, including weather, fuel requirements, alternates, known ATC delays (for IFR or flights not in the vicinity of an airport), runway lengths, and takeoff/landing distance data.

Q2Where do you get takeoff and landing distance data, and what factors affect it?

FAR 91.103(b) requires using the approved AFM or POH if one exists; otherwise, reliable performance data must be used considering airport elevation, runway slope, gross weight, wind, and temperature.

Q3Does FAR 91.103 require weather and alternates for a local pattern flight?

No. FAR 91.103(a) only mandates weather, fuel, alternates, and known ATC delays for IFR flights or flights not in the vicinity of an airport, though runway length and performance data under 91.103(b) still apply.

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Related Sections in Part 91

§ 91.1

Part 91 Applicability