📘14 CFR §91.123 - Compliance with ATC Instructions

✏️ Plain-English Summary:

When ATC gives you a clearance or instruction, you must comply with it exactly — unless doing so would compromise safety. If you can’t comply, or if you don’t understand, it’s your job to speak up.

✅ Key Takeaways:

• ✅ You must follow all ATC clearances/instructions

• ✅ If you cannot comply, you must request an amended clearance

• ✅ In an emergency, you may deviate — but be ready to explain why

• ✅ If requested, you must submit a written report to the FAA

✈️ CFI Tip for All 3:

Ask your student:

“Can you ignore ATC if you disagree?” “Can you fly close to your friend’s plane if you both agree?” “Can you blast Spotify over Bluetooth while navigating to your XC destination?”

Help them see that legal ≠ safe, and gray areas must be handled with PIC judgment.