📘14 CFR §91.307 – Parachutes and Parachuting

🚩 Overview

FAA regulations specify when parachutes must be worn during specific types of flight maneuvers or operations, ensuring pilot and passenger safety during operations with heightened risk.

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✅ Key Operational Requirements

🪂 1. Mandatory Parachute Use

A parachute must be worn by each occupant aboard an aircraft during maneuvers involving:

• Intentional bank angles exceeding 60 degrees relative to the horizon.

• Intentional nose-up or nose-down attitudes exceeding 30 degrees relative to the horizon.

🔍 2. Parachute Inspection Requirements

• A parachute must be inspected and packed within the preceding 180 days if made of synthetic materials (e.g., nylon).

• If composed of natural fiber (silk, pongee), parachutes must have been inspected and packed within the preceding 60 days.

🚨 3. Exceptions to Parachute Requirements

Parachutes are not required when performing:

• Flight tests for pilot certification or rating conducted by an FAA inspector or designated pilot examiner.

• Spins or other required maneuvers when receiving flight instruction from a certified flight instructor (CFI).

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🛩️ Example Scenario

You're planning a flight that involves demonstrating a steep turn exceeding a 60° bank or a steep climb or descent exceeding 30° pitch. You and all passengers must each wear an approved parachute that's been inspected and packed within the required timeframe. However, if performing spins for your CFI training, a parachute is not required.

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📌 CFI Pro Tips

• Inspection Verification: Encourage your students to verify parachute inspection records carefully during preflight preparations when required.

• Safety Awareness: Train students on proper parachute use and emphasize the conditions under which parachutes become mandatory.

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📚 Further Reading and Official References

• 14 CFR §91.307 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-D/section-91.307

• FAA Advisory Circular AC 105-2E (Parachute Operations): https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_105-2E.pdf

• FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) – Parachute Operations: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap3_section_5.html