FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Regulations (14 CFR 61/91)Medium
Two pilots agree to fly their airplanes in close proximity for a photography session, with no passengers carried for hire. According to 14 CFR 91.111, what condition must be satisfied before this formation flight is conducted?
- APrior arrangement between the pilots in command of each aircraft, and neither aircraft may be operated so close to the other as to create a collision hazard
- BA formation flight waiver must be obtained from the FAA regardless of the purpose of the flight
- COnly the lead aircraft's pilot needs to plan the flight; the other pilot may join at will
- DFormation flight is prohibited under all circumstances in the National Airspace System
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Prior arrangement between the pilots in command of each aircraft, and neither aircraft may be operated so close to the other as to create a collision hazard
14 CFR 91.111 requires prior arrangement between the pilots in command of aircraft flown in formation, and prohibits operating so close to another aircraft as to create a collision hazard. It also separately prohibits formation flight when carrying passengers for hire.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. No general FAA waiver is required for formation flight outside of special use airspace or airshow contexts.
- C. Both pilots in command must arrange the flight in advance, not just the lead pilot.
- D. Formation flight is permitted with prior arrangement; it is not universally prohibited.
Formation Flight (91.111)
Aircraft may not be operated in formation except by prior arrangement between the pilots in command, and never so close as to create a collision hazard; formation flight carrying passengers for hire is prohibited.
- Prior arrangement between PICs required
- No operating close enough to create collision hazard
- Prohibited when carrying passengers for hire
Memory trick: Fly in formation? Shake hands first — plan it, don't wing it.