FAR 91.111 — Operating Near Other Aircraft
FAR 91.111 explains rules for operating near other aircraft, including collision hazards, formation flight arrangements, and passenger-for-hire restrictions.
In Plain English
FAR 91.111 sets the basic rules for flying close to other aircraft. It exists to prevent mid-air collisions and to make sure that any close-proximity flying — like formation flight — happens only when every pilot involved has agreed to it.
The rule has three parts:
- No collision hazard. You may not operate your aircraft so close to another that you create a collision hazard. This applies any time you're near another airplane, regardless of airspace or flight rules.
- Formation flight requires arrangement. You may not fly in formation unless you have a prior arrangement with the pilot in command of each aircraft in the formation. Surprise join-ups or unannounced close-in maneuvering aren't allowed.
- No passengers for hire in formation. If you are carrying passengers for hire, formation flight is prohibited entirely — no exceptions, even with prior arrangement.
Operationally, this means you should keep safe separation from other traffic, brief any formation work in advance with all PICs, and never bring fare-paying passengers along on a formation flight.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.111§ 91.111 Operating near other aircraft.
(a) No person may operate an aircraft so close to another aircraft as to create a collision hazard.
(b) No person may operate an aircraft in formation flight except by arrangement with the pilot in command of each aircraft in the formation.
(c) No person may operate an aircraft, carrying passengers for hire, in formation flight.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Under what conditions may you legally fly in formation with another aircraft?
Per FAR 91.111(b), formation flight is only permitted by prior arrangement with the pilot in command of each aircraft in the formation.
Q2Can you conduct a formation flight while carrying passengers for hire?
No. FAR 91.111(c) specifically prohibits formation flight any time an aircraft is carrying passengers for hire, even if the other PICs agree.
Q3What does FAR 91.111 say about flying close to another aircraft in general?
FAR 91.111(a) prohibits operating an aircraft so close to another aircraft as to create a collision hazard, regardless of the type of operation.
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Related Sections in Part 91