FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)RegulationsMedium
A commercial pilot is approached to perform a flight that involves dropping objects from an aircraft. According to 14 CFR Part 91, under what conditions, if any, may this operation be conducted?
- AThis operation is strictly prohibited under Part 91 for any purpose.
- BIf reasonable precautions are taken to avoid injury or damage to persons or property.
- CIf the objects are biodegradable and pose no threat to the environment.
- DOnly if a waiver has been obtained from the Administrator for the specific operation.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. If reasonable precautions are taken to avoid injury or damage to persons or property.
14 CFR 91.15 states that no pilot in command of a civil aircraft may intentionally drop any object from that aircraft in flight that creates a hazard to persons or property. However, it explicitly states that the section does not prohibit the dropping of any object if reasonable precautions are taken to avoid injury or damage to persons or property.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; the regulation provides a specific condition under which dropping objects is permissible.
- C. Biodegradability is not a regulatory factor mentioned in 91.15 for dropping objects.
- D. A waiver is not specifically required by 91.15; the key is taking reasonable precautions.
Dropping Objects (Part 91)
A pilot may intentionally drop objects from an aircraft in flight under Part 91 if reasonable precautions are taken to avoid injury or damage to persons or property.
- Prohibited if it creates a hazard.
- Permitted if reasonable precautions are taken.
- No specific waiver is required by 91.15.
Memory trick: Drop if safe, no harm, no foul.