FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)RegulationsMedium
A pilot is preparing for a cross-country flight in a helicopter to an airport 150 nautical miles away. Which item is specifically required by 14 CFR 91.103 as part of the preflight action for this flight?
- AWritten confirmation from the destination FBO regarding the helicopter's maintenance status
- BA complete recalculation of weight and balance for each planned intermediate stop
- CA telephone briefing conducted personally by an FAA-designated pilot examiner
- DAlternate courses of action if the flight cannot be completed as planned, including fuel requirements
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Alternate courses of action if the flight cannot be completed as planned, including fuel requirements
14 CFR 91.103 requires that, for a flight not in the vicinity of an airport, the pilot become familiar with all available information including weather reports/forecasts, fuel requirements, and alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be completed, as well as any known traffic delays. This ensures the pilot has a contingency plan and adequate fuel reserves.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Maintenance confirmation from a destination FBO is not a preflight action requirement.
- B. Weight and balance must be verified for the flight but recalculation at every stop is not a listed 91.103 requirement.
- C. No regulation requires a briefing specifically from a pilot examiner.
Preflight Action (14 CFR 91.103)
Requires pilots to become familiar with all available information concerning a flight, including weather, fuel requirements, alternatives, runway data, and NOTAMs before departure.
- Applies to every flight
- Includes weather reports and forecasts
- Includes fuel requirements and alternate plans
- Includes runway lengths at airports of intended use for flights under certain parts
Memory trick: WAFR: Weather, Alternates, Fuel, Runways — check before you fly.