FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)RegulationsHard
While practicing autorotations, a pilot makes a low, high-speed pass directly over a crowded public beach at 50 feet AGL to show off for spectators, without landing. No injury or damage results. Which regulation has the pilot most clearly violated?
- A14 CFR 91.155, VFR Weather Minimums
- B14 CFR 91.13, Careless or Reckless Operation
- C14 CFR 61.56, Flight Review
- D14 CFR 91.17, Alcohol or Drugs
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 14 CFR 91.13, Careless or Reckless Operation
14 CFR 91.13 prohibits operating an aircraft in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another. A low, high-speed pass over a crowded beach clearly endangers people below even though no actual harm occurred, making this a violation of 91.13 (and likely 91.119 as well, but 91.13 is the broadest and most directly applicable charge for reckless conduct).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Weather minimums are unrelated to this scenario; no cloud or visibility issue is described.
- C. Flight review currency is unrelated to reckless flying behavior.
- D. No alcohol or drug use is mentioned in the scenario.
Careless or Reckless Operation (91.13)
Prohibits operating any aircraft in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another, applicable in flight and on the surface.
- Broadest safety regulation in Part 91
- Applies to both airborne and surface operations
- Often cited alongside more specific violations
- Endangerment does not require actual injury/damage to occur
Memory trick: 91.13 is the FAA's catch-all: 'don't be dumb and dangerous.'