📘14 CFR §91.13 — Careless or Reckless Operation

Plain-English Summary:

This regulation says you can’t operate an aircraft in a careless or reckless way that could endanger life or property. Even if no one gets hurt and nothing is damaged, you can still be in violation if the FAA believes your actions posed a threat.

This is one of the FAA’s broadest "catch-all" regs — it’s often used as the basis for enforcement when no other specific rule was broken.

Key PPL Takeaways:

❌ Don’t buzz your buddy’s house or low-fly over crowds — even if it’s technically legal by altitude regs.

❌ Taxiing too fast or turning sharply in congested areas can be considered reckless, even on the ground.

❌ Just because something isn’t specifically prohibited doesn’t mean it’s safe — the FAA can still cite §91.13.

✅ Always operate conservatively, with safety as the top priority, especially in non-standard situations.

Real-World Scenario:

You fly over your old high school football game at 1,000 feet AGL to “wave the wings.” Nobody gets hurt. But a parent complains to the FAA.

Even if you met the minimum altitude under §91.119, the FAA could still pursue enforcement under §91.13 if they determine the flyby was unsafe or created unnecessary risk.

CFI Teaching Tip:

Tell your students this is the “Common Sense Clause” of aviation. Ask them: “Would what you're doing make someone watching from the ground nervous? Would it make your instructor uncomfortable? If yes — it might be careless.”

References:

• FAR §91.13

• FAA Order 8900.1 (Enforcement Guidelines)

• NTSB Cases involving reckless ops (searchable at NTSB.gov)