14 CFR · Part 91
14 CFR § 91.103
Preflight action.
In Brief
What It Is
The requirement to become familiar with all available information before a flight — weather, fuel, alternatives, runway lengths, and takeoff/landing distances.
Why It Matters
It is the regulatory basis for proper preflight planning and a classic checkride question: what exactly does "all available information" include?
FlightPush summary.
Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. This information must include—
For a flight under IFR or a flight not in the vicinity of an airport, weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be completed, and any known traffic delays of which the pilot in command has been advised by ATC;
For any flight, runway lengths at airports of intended use, and the following takeoff and landing distance information:
For civil aircraft for which an approved Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual containing takeoff and landing distance data is required, the takeoff and landing distance data contained therein; and
For civil aircraft other than those specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, other reliable information appropriate to the aircraft, relating to aircraft performance under expected values of airport elevation and runway slope, aircraft gross weight, and wind and temperature.
Referenced By
Interpretations of This Section (6)
Advisory Circulars (12)
Information for Operators (InFO) (1)
Documents that cite this section, found in their catalog metadata or text. Listed by date, not by significance.
Reflects the eCFR edition current as of July 6, 2026. Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.
Primary Source