Passenger Information

FAR 91.517 — Passenger Information

FAR 91.517 explains passenger information signs, no-smoking rules, and seat belt notifications required for airplanes carrying passengers under Part 91.

In Plain English

FAR 91.517 sets the rules for how passengers must be informed about smoking and seat belt requirements when flying in an airplane carrying passengers under Part 91.

The airplane must have signs visible to passengers and flight attendants that show when smoking is prohibited and when seat belts must be fastened.
The fasten seat belt sign must be controllable (on/off) by the crew.
Both signs must be illuminated during surface movement, every takeoff, every landing, and any other time the pilot in command deems necessary.
If the airplane isn't required to have these signs, the PIC must orally notify passengers when seat belts must be fastened and when smoking is prohibited.
When a "no smoking" sign is lit, no one may smoke, and smoking in lavatories is always prohibited.
Passengers required by § 91.107(a)(3) to occupy a seat must keep their belt fastened whenever the seat belt sign is lit.
Passengers must follow crewmember instructions on these items.

Operationally, this matters because as PIC you're responsible for ensuring passengers are properly briefed and protected during the highest-risk phases of flight — taxi, takeoff, and landing.

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Regulation Text

14 CFR § 91.517

§ 91.517 Passenger information. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate an airplane carrying passengers unless it is equipped with signs that are visible to passengers and flight attendants to notify them when smoking is prohibited and when safety belts must be fastened. (1) The signs that notify when safety belts must be fastened must be so constructed that the crew can turn them on and off. (2) The signs that prohibit smoking and signs that notify when safety belts must be fastened must be illuminated during airplane movement on the surface, for each takeoff, for each landing, and when otherwise considered to be necessary by the pilot in command. (b) The pilot in command of an airplane that is not required, in accordance with applicable aircraft and equipment requirements of this chapter, to be equipped as provided in paragraph (a) of this section shall ensure that the passengers are notified orally each time that it is necessary to fasten their safety belts and when smoking is prohibited. (c) If passenger information signs are installed, no passenger or crewmember may smoke while any “no smoking” sign is lighted nor may any passenger or crewmember smoke in any lavatory. (d) Each passenger required by § 91.107(a)(3) to occupy a seat or berth shall fasten his or her safety belt about him or her and keep it fastened while any “fasten seat belt” sign is lighted. (e) Each passenger shall comply with instructions given him or her by crewmembers regarding compliance with paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section. [Docket 26142, 57 FR 42672, Sept. 15, 1992, as amended by Docket FAA-2024-2052; Amdt. 91-377, 89 FR 68100, Aug. 23, 2024]

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1When must the seat belt and no smoking signs be illuminated?

Per FAR 91.517, the signs must be illuminated during airplane movement on the surface, for each takeoff, for each landing, and any other time the pilot in command considers it necessary.

Q2If your airplane isn't equipped with passenger information signs, what are your responsibilities as PIC?

FAR 91.517(b) requires the PIC to orally notify passengers each time they must fasten their safety belts and when smoking is prohibited.

Q3Can passengers smoke in the lavatory if the no smoking sign is off?

No. FAR 91.517(c) prohibits smoking in any lavatory at all times, and also prohibits smoking by anyone whenever a no smoking sign is illuminated.

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VFR Weather Minimums

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