FAR 91.903 — Certificate of Waiver
FAR 91.903 explains how the FAA issues certificates of waiver allowing deviation from Part 91 rules when operations can still be conducted safely.
In Plain English
FAR 91.903 spells out how the FAA can let you legally fly outside the normal Part 91 rules through a certificate of waiver. This is the regulatory door that opens for things like airshows, banner tows, aerobatic boxes, and other special operations.
The key points:
- Authority to waive: The Administrator may issue a certificate of waiver allowing an operation to deviate from any rule listed in Subpart J (or those rules as modified by Subpart C of Part 194) — but only if the Administrator finds the proposed operation can be safely conducted under the waiver's terms.
- How to apply: Applications are made on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator, and may be submitted to any FAA office.
- Effective period: Each waiver is effective as specified within the certificate itself — there's no fixed default duration.
Why it matters: as a pilot, you can't just decide to deviate from a rule because it's inconvenient. If your operation needs relief from a regulation, you must apply in advance, get FAA approval, and operate strictly within the waiver's stated terms.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.903§ 91.903 Policy and procedures.
(a) The Administrator may issue a certificate of waiver authorizing the operation of aircraft in deviation from any rule listed in this subpart or any rule listed in this subpart as modified by subpart C of part 194 of this chapter if the Administrator finds that the proposed operation can be safely conducted under the terms of that certificate of waiver.
(b) An application for a certificate of waiver under this part is made on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator and may be submitted to any FAA office.
(c) A certificate of waiver is effective as specified in that certificate of waiver.
[Docket 18334, 54 FR 34325, Aug. 18, 1989, as amended by FAA-2023-1275, Amdt. 91-379, 89 FR 92486, Nov. 21, 2024]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What is a certificate of waiver and who issues it?
Per FAR 91.903, a certificate of waiver is an FAA-issued authorization allowing an aircraft operation to deviate from rules listed in this subpart. It's issued by the Administrator when the proposed operation can be safely conducted under the waiver's terms.
Q2How would a pilot apply for a certificate of waiver, and where?
Under FAR 91.903(b), the application is made on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator, and it may be submitted to any FAA office.
Q3How long is a certificate of waiver valid?
FAR 91.903(c) states that a certificate of waiver is effective as specified in that certificate itself, so the validity period depends on the terms written into the waiver.
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Related Sections in Part 91