14 CFR Part 91 · Subpart B · Flight Rules
14 CFR 91.103: Preflight action
Before every flight the pilot in command must become familiar with all available information about it. That always includes runway lengths and takeoff and landing distances. For IFR flights and flights away from the airport it also includes weather, fuel, alternatives and known ATC delays.
Section last amended December 30, 2016 · Text current as of October 15, 2026 · Also cited as FAR 91.103 · Read it on eCFR
14 CFR 91.103 in plain English
- Become familiar with all available information concerning the flight.
- For IFR or a flight not in the vicinity of an airport: weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives, and known traffic delays. (a)
- For every flight: runway lengths at the airports you plan to use, and takeoff and landing distance data from the flight manual or other reliable information. (b)
Common questions
- What does NWKRAFT mean?
- A memory aid for this section: NOTAMs, Weather, Known ATC delays, Runway lengths, Alternatives, Fuel requirements, Takeoff and landing distances.
- Do I need a weather briefing for a local pattern flight?
- Paragraph (a)'s weather requirement applies to IFR and to flights not in the vicinity of an airport. You still have to be familiar with all available information, and checking the weather is part of that.
Official text of 14 CFR 91.103
§ 91.103 Preflight action. Verbatim from the eCFR, current as of October 15, 2026.
Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. This information must include:
(a)For a flight under IFR or a flight not in the vicinity of an airport, weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be completed, and any known traffic delays of which the pilot in command has been advised by ATC;
(b)For any flight, runway lengths at airports of intended use, and the following takeoff and landing distance information:
(1)For civil aircraft for which an approved Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual containing takeoff and landing distance data is required, the takeoff and landing distance data contained therein; and
(2)For civil aircraft other than those specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, other reliable information appropriate to the aircraft, relating to aircraft performance under expected values of airport elevation and runway slope, aircraft gross weight, and wind and temperature.