FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)RegulationsMedium
A commercial pilot is conducting a flight for compensation or hire. The aircraft has an inoperative communication radio. Under what conditions, if any, may this flight proceed under Part 91?
- AThe flight may not proceed, as a communication radio is always required for flights for compensation or hire.
- BThe flight may proceed only if the pilot can establish two-way radio communication using an alternate means, such as a handheld radio.
- CThe flight may proceed if the inoperative radio is not part of the VFR-day type certification and is not required by any regulation for the specific flight.
- DThe flight may proceed if the pilot obtains a special flight permit from the FSDO.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The flight may proceed if the inoperative radio is not part of the VFR-day type certification and is not required by any regulation for the specific flight.
According to 14 CFR 91.213(d), a flight with inoperative equipment can proceed if the equipment is not part of the aircraft's type certification for VFR day, is not required by the aircraft's equipment list, and is not required by any regulation for the specific flight operation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This statement is incorrect; not all inoperative equipment automatically grounds an aircraft, especially if it's not required for the specific flight under Part 91.
- B. While alternate communication methods are useful, they do not negate the regulatory requirements for inoperative equipment deferral under 91.213.
- D. A special flight permit (ferry permit) is typically for unairworthy aircraft to relocate for maintenance, not for inoperative equipment that can be deferred.
Inoperative Equipment (Part 91)
Under 14 CFR 91.213(d), a flight with inoperative equipment may proceed if the equipment is not required for the specific flight, is not on the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) or VFR-day type certificate, and is placarded.
- Applies to aircraft without an MEL.
- Equipment must not be required by the VFR-day type certificate.
- Equipment must not be required by 14 CFR 91.205 or other regulations for the flight.
- Equipment must be removed or placarded INOPERATIVE.
Memory trick: Don't Fly Unless Required, Placarded, and Safe.