FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsEasy

A pilot is planning a flight under VFR that will not be conducted in the vicinity of an airport. Per 14 CFR 91.103, the pilot's preflight action must include, among other things,

  1. Afiling a VFR flight plan with Flight Service
  2. Ba personal weight and balance calculation certified by a mechanic
  3. Ca review of the aircraft's maintenance logbooks for the past 12 months
  4. Davailable weather reports and forecasts, and alternatives available if the flight cannot be completed as planned
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. available weather reports and forecasts, and alternatives available if the flight cannot be completed as planned

14 CFR 91.103 requires each pilot in command, before beginning a flight, to become familiar with all available information concerning that flight, including weather reports/forecasts and alternatives available if the flight cannot be completed as planned, for flights not in the vicinity of an airport.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Filing a flight plan is recommended for safety but is not a mandatory requirement under 91.103.
  • B. Weight and balance is the pilot's responsibility, not something requiring mechanic certification for each flight.
  • C. Maintenance logbook review is not part of the required preflight action under 91.103.

Preflight Action (91.103)

Regulation requiring pilots to become familiar with all available information for a flight, including weather, fuel requirements, and alternatives, especially for flights away from an airport.

  • Applies to all pilots before every flight
  • Includes weather, runway lengths, fuel requirements, alternatives
  • Extra items required for flights not in the vicinity of an airport

Memory trick: 'Know before you go' — weather, fuel, and a backup plan.

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