📘14 CFR §91.15 — Dropping Objects

✏️ Plain-English Summary:

You can’t throw or drop anything out of an aircraft unless you’re absolutely sure it won’t hurt someone or damage property. That includes intentionally releasing objects, even if it seems harmless (like a bag of flour or a streamer).

✅ Key Takeaways for PPL Students:

• ❌ It is illegal to drop anything from an aircraft that could endanger persons or property

• ✅ You can drop objects only if you take “reasonable precautions” to make sure no one gets hurt or nothing gets damaged

• This applies to anything leaving the aircraft, even if you're over unpopulated areas

✈️ Scenario:

You want to drop a practice flour bomb over an uninhabited field during a Civil Air Patrol exercise. ✅ Legal — if you’ve ensured the area is clear and you’re following CAP procedures with proper coordination.

You toss out your passenger’s half-full Gatorade bottle while crossing a field at 1,500’ AGL. ❌ That’s illegal — even if no one saw it, it violates §91.15 and could harm people/property below.

🧠 Why It Matters:

Even small objects can cause major damage or injury when dropped from altitude. The FAA wants to prevent any hazards from airborne debris, even if accidental.

🎓 CFI Teaching Tip:

Use this reg to start a conversation about:

• Environmental responsibility (don’t litter from the air)

• Civil Air Patrol or banner towing ops

• Encourage good decision-making:

“If you wouldn’t throw it out of a car on the freeway, don’t drop it from an airplane.”

Also connect it to PIC authority (91.3) — you are responsible for anything released from your aircraft.

📚 References:

• FAR §91.15 — Dropping Objects

• AIM 4-4-1 through 4-4-3 — Clearance and Special Use Airspace

• PHAK Ch. 12 — Aeronautical Decision-Making