FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsEasy
A sport pilot performs several low, fast passes directly over a crowded beach to impress spectators, with no emergency or operational need. Which regulation has this pilot most likely violated?
- A14 CFR 91.203 – Civil aircraft airworthiness certificate requirements
- B14 CFR 91.13 – Careless or reckless operation
- C14 CFR 61.56 – Flight review requirements
- D14 CFR 91.151 – Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions
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. Buzzing a crowded beach with no operational justification clearly endangers people on the ground and fits this violation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Airworthiness certificate requirements concern the aircraft's paperwork, not pilot behavior.
- C. Flight review currency has nothing to do with this specific unsafe maneuver.
- D. Fuel reserve rules are unrelated to reckless low flying over people.
Careless or Reckless Operation (91.13)
Prohibits operating an aircraft in a manner that endangers the life or property of others.
- Applies to all phases of flight, including ground operations
- Common violations include low buzzing and unsafe aerobatics near people
- Can result in certificate suspension or revocation
Memory trick: 'Buzzing the beach breaks the careless rule.'