📘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.
✅ 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).
🛩️ 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.
📌 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.
📚 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
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