FAR 91.105 — Flight Crewmember Stations
FAR 91.105 explains when required flight crewmembers must stay at their stations and keep safety belts and shoulder harnesses fastened. Key rules for pilots.
FAR 91.105 sets the rules for where required flight crewmembers must be and how they must be restrained during flight. It applies to takeoff, landing, and en route operations.
The core requirements:
- Stay at your station. Each required flight crewmember must remain at their crewmember station, unless they need to step away to perform duties related to operating the aircraft or to attend to physiological needs.
- Safety belt fastened. While at the station, the safety belt must be kept fastened.
- Shoulder harness during takeoff and landing. On U.S.-registered civil aircraft, each required flight crewmember must also keep the shoulder harness fastened during takeoff and landing while at their assigned duty station.
There are two exceptions to the shoulder harness rule:
- The seat is not equipped with a shoulder harness, or
- The crewmember could not perform required duties with the shoulder harness fastened.
Why it matters: takeoff and landing are the highest-risk phases of flight. Staying restrained protects you in turbulence or a sudden impact, and remaining at your station ensures the aircraft is always actively controlled.
Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.
You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?