FAR 91.11 — Crewmember Interference
FAR 91.11 prohibits assaulting, threatening, intimidating, or interfering with crewmembers performing duties aboard an aircraft. Key rule for pilots and passengers.
FAR 91.11 is short but carries serious weight: no person may assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with a crewmember while that crewmember is performing their duties aboard an aircraft being operated.
In plain terms:
- It applies to anyone on board — passengers, other crew, jumpseaters, even deadheading employees.
- It protects crewmembers (pilots, flight attendants, flight engineers) any time they are performing assigned duties on an aircraft that is being operated.
- Prohibited conduct includes:
- Assault (physical contact or attempted contact)
- Threats (verbal or written)
- Intimidation
- Interference with the performance of duties
Why it matters operationally: Crewmembers must be free from distraction and coercion to safely fly, communicate, and manage cabin safety. As pilot in command, you are responsible for managing disruptive passengers, may divert if needed, and should report violations. Penalties can include heavy civil fines and federal criminal charges, and airlines commonly add offenders to no-fly lists.