A pilot is planning an IFR flight that is not in the vicinity of the departure airport. According to 14 CFR 91.103, which combination of information must the pilot become familiar with before the flight?
- AWeather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the flight cannot be completed as planned, and any known ATC delays
- BOnly the runway lengths at airports of intended use
- COnly NOTAMs applicable to the route of flight
- DOnly the aircraft's most recent 100-hour inspection date
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the flight cannot be completed as planned, and any known ATC delays
14 CFR 91.103 requires that for any flight not in the vicinity of an airport, the pilot in command must become familiar with available weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the flight cannot be completed as planned, and any known traffic delays advised by ATC, in addition to other information such as runway lengths and takeoff/landing distance data.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Runway length is only one required item, not the complete set of required preflight information.
- C. NOTAMs are one relevant source but do not encompass all required preflight actions.
- D. Aircraft inspection status relates to airworthiness under 91.409, not the preflight action requirements of 91.103.
Preflight Action (91.103)
Before any flight, the pilot in command must become familiar with all available information concerning that flight, with additional specific items required for flights not in the vicinity of an airport.
- Weather reports and forecasts required
- Fuel requirements must be evaluated
- Alternatives if flight cannot be completed as planned
- Known ATC traffic delays must be considered
- Runway lengths and takeoff/landing data always required
Memory trick: Weather, fuel, alternates, delays — check them all before flight-day plays.