Operating Limitations Familiarity

FAR 91.505 — Operating Limitations Familiarity

FAR 91.505 requires PICs to know the Airplane Flight Manual and operating limits, and crew to know emergency equipment before every flight. Study guide for pilots.

In Plain English

FAR 91.505 applies to large and turbine-powered multiengine airplanes (and fractional ops) and sets a simple but critical pre-flight knowledge standard for the pilot in command and the required crew.

Before each flight, the PIC must become familiar with:

The Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) for that airplane, if one is required
All placards, listings, and instrument markings that contain operating limitations prescribed by the Administrator
Limitations specified in § 91.9(b)

In addition, every required crewmember must, before the flight, become familiar with the emergency equipment installed on their assigned airplane and the procedures for using that equipment in an emergency.

Why it matters operationally: you can't fly the airplane safely or legally if you don't know its V-speeds, weight limits, system limits, or how to deploy oxygen, fire extinguishers, life rafts, or escape gear. This rule makes that knowledge a regulatory pre-flight duty — not an afterthought.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 91.505

§ 91.505 Familiarity with operating limitations and emergency equipment. (a) Each pilot in command of an airplane shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with the Airplane Flight Manual for that airplane, if one is required, and with any placards, listings, instrument markings, or any combination thereof, containing each operating limitation prescribed for that airplane by the Administrator, including those specified in § 91.9(b). (b) Each required member of the crew shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with the emergency equipment installed on the airplane to which that crewmember is assigned and with the procedures to be followed for the use of that equipment in an emergency situation.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1Before a flight under Subpart F, what must the pilot in command be familiar with?

Per FAR 91.505(a), the PIC must be familiar with the Airplane Flight Manual (if required) and with any placards, listings, instrument markings, or combination thereof containing each operating limitation prescribed for that airplane, including those in § 91.9(b).

Q2What does FAR 91.505 require of required crewmembers regarding emergency equipment?

FAR 91.505(b) requires each required crewmember, before beginning a flight, to become familiar with the emergency equipment installed on the airplane to which they are assigned and the procedures for using that equipment in an emergency.

Q3Where might you find the operating limitations referenced in FAR 91.505?

FAR 91.505(a) states they may be found in the Airplane Flight Manual and in placards, listings, and instrument markings prescribed by the Administrator, including those specified in § 91.9(b).

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Related Sections in Part 91

§ 91.1

Part 91 Applicability