FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsHard
A sport pilot is planning a VFR cross-country flight and notices a temporary flight restriction (TFR) has recently been established near the destination airport due to wildfire suppression activity. What is the pilot's regulatory obligation regarding this information under 14 CFR 91.103?
- AThe pilot must become familiar with all available information concerning the flight, including NOTAMs and TFRs
- BTFR compliance is optional for sport pilots operating light-sport aircraft
- CNo action is required since the flight is VFR and TFRs only apply to IFR traffic
- DThe pilot only needs to check TFRs if the flight exceeds 100 nautical miles
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The pilot must become familiar with all available information concerning the flight, including NOTAMs and TFRs
14 CFR 91.103 requires every pilot in command to become familiar with all available information concerning that flight, which includes checking NOTAMs and TFRs regardless of whether the flight is IFR or VFR, or the distance flown.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. TFR compliance is mandatory for all pilots, including sport pilots.
- C. TFRs apply to all aircraft, VFR and IFR alike.
- D. There is no distance threshold exempting shorter flights from NOTAM/TFR review.
Preflight Action & TFRs (91.103)
Pilots must become familiar with all available information for a flight, including NOTAMs and temporary flight restrictions, regardless of flight rules or distance.
- Applies to VFR and IFR flights alike
- Includes NOTAMs, TFRs, weather, runway lengths, alternates
- Violating a TFR can result in certificate action even under VFR
Memory trick: 'Check the map for fire zones before you fly, VFR or not.'