During cruise flight, a Part 121 captain encounters a sudden in-flight emergency requiring immediate deviation from an ATC clearance and an assigned altitude restriction. Under 14 CFR 91.3, what authority does the captain have, and what is required afterward?
- AThe captain may deviate from any rule to the extent required to meet the emergency, and may be required to submit a written report to the Administrator if requested
- BThe captain may deviate only from company procedures, not from any FAA regulation
- CThe captain has no deviation authority under Part 121 operations; only dispatch may authorize deviations
- DThe captain must obtain ATC approval before deviating, then may deviate once cleared
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The captain may deviate from any rule to the extent required to meet the emergency, and may be required to submit a written report to the Administrator if requested
14 CFR 91.3(b) grants the pilot in command final authority to deviate from any rule in an in-flight emergency to the extent required to meet that emergency. Under 91.3(c), the Administrator may request a written report of the deviation, which the PIC must provide.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 91.3(b) allows deviation from any rule of Part 91 needed to meet the emergency, not just company procedures.
- C. The PIC, not dispatch, holds final authority for operation of the aircraft under 91.3(a).
- D. Emergency authority does not require prior ATC approval; the PIC may act immediately.
PIC Emergency Authority (91.3)
14 CFR 91.3 establishes the PIC as directly responsible for and having final authority over the aircraft's operation, including the authority to deviate from any rule to the extent required by an in-flight emergency.
- 91.3(a): PIC has final authority for operation
- 91.3(b): may deviate from any rule to meet an emergency
- 91.3(c): may be required to submit a written report to the Administrator
Memory trick: When the sky falls apart, the captain writes the new rules — and later writes the report.