# 14 CFR 91.3: Pilot in command authority

> The pilot in command is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of the aircraft. In an in-flight emergency that needs immediate action, the pilot may deviate from any Part 91 rule as far as the emergency requires.

Source: https://www.aerscheduler.com/regulations/91-3
Official text: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-91.3 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-15; section last amended 2016-12-30)

## In plain English

- The pilot in command is responsible for, and the final authority on, the flight. [(a)](https://www.aerscheduler.com/regulations/91-3#a)
- In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, you may deviate from Part 91 as much as needed. [(b)](https://www.aerscheduler.com/regulations/91-3#b)
- If the FAA asks, send a written report of the deviation. [(c)](https://www.aerscheduler.com/regulations/91-3#c)

## Common questions

**Does declaring an emergency mean an automatic violation?**

No. Paragraph (b) authorizes the deviation the emergency requires. The FAA may ask for a written report under (c).

## Official text of 14 CFR 91.3

Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command.

(a) The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft.

(b) In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule of this part to the extent required to meet that emergency.

(c) Each pilot in command who deviates from a rule under paragraph (b) of this section shall, upon the request of the Administrator, send a written report of that deviation to the Administrator.

## Related

- [14 CFR 91.7: Flying only an airworthy aircraft](https://www.aerscheduler.com/regulations/91-7.md)
- [14 CFR 91.103: Preflight action](https://www.aerscheduler.com/regulations/91-103.md)

_The plain-English summary is AerScheduler's reading of the rule, not legal advice. The official text above is the eCFR's, published by the Office of the Federal Register; the eCFR is the current text._