FAA Part 91 General Aviation Compliance
Last reviewed · By Chad Griffith
14 CFR Part 91 ('General Operating and Flight Rules') is the foundation of FAA aviation regulation, applying to all civil aircraft operations within the United States that aren't governed by more-specific operating rules (Part 121, 125, 129, 133, 135, 137). Part 91 covers pilot duty requirements, aircraft airworthiness, maintenance and inspection schedules, instrument requirements, IFR/VFR operating rules, and recordkeeping. Most general aviation pilots, corporate flight departments, and private aircraft owners operate under Part 91.
Pilot Certification Requirements
Per 14 CFR 61, pilots operating under Part 91 must hold appropriate certificates: Private Pilot Certificate, Commercial Pilot Certificate, or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate based on the operation. Certificates require: completed FAA written knowledge tests, FAA practical test (checkride), medical certificate (Class 1 for ATP, Class 2 for commercial, Class 3 for private), and currency requirements (90-day passenger currency, 6-month flight review or equivalent recurrent training).
Aircraft Inspections
Per 14 CFR 91.409, aircraft operating under Part 91 must have: Annual inspection (every 12 calendar months) by an authorized inspection authority (IA) for non-progressive maintenance programs; OR Progressive inspection program approved by the FAA; OR 100-hour inspection if the aircraft is used for hire (in addition to annual). All Airworthiness Directives (ADs) applicable to the aircraft must be complied with on schedule. Maintenance records must be retained per 14 CFR 91.417 — total time records permanently, last 100-hour and annual inspection records for 1 year.
Operating Rules
Part 91 covers operating rules including: minimum altitudes (Section 91.119); right-of-way rules (Section 91.113); fuel requirements (Section 91.151 for VFR, 91.167 for IFR); preflight action (Section 91.103); equipment requirements for VFR and IFR flight (Sections 91.205, 91.207, 91.215, 91.225 for ADS-B); use of supplemental oxygen (Section 91.211); dropping objects (Section 91.15); and acrobatic flight limitations (Section 91.303).
Recordkeeping
Part 91 operators must retain: aircraft maintenance records (per 91.417), pilot logbooks (per 61.51, demonstrating currency and recent experience), aircraft logbooks (airframe, engine, propeller separately), and training records as applicable. The pilot logbook is the responsibility of the pilot. Aircraft logbooks are typically maintained by the aircraft owner, though responsibility can be delegated to operators or maintenance providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Part 91 and Part 135?
Part 91 covers general operating and flight rules — most pilots and aircraft owners operate under Part 91 by default. Part 135 covers commercial commuter and on-demand operations where passengers or cargo are transported for compensation. The line is generally that if compensation is involved AND the operation doesn't qualify for limited Part 91 exceptions (e.g., specific company exempt categories), Part 135 applies. Many corporate flight departments operate under Part 91 by structuring flight operations as non-compensated.
How often does an aircraft need an annual inspection?
Per 14 CFR 91.409, every 12 calendar months. The inspection must be performed and signed off by an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA), or by a properly equipped repair station. The inspection follows the manufacturer's annual inspection program scope or the FAA Annual Inspection Checklist if no manufacturer program exists.
What is a flight review?
Per 14 CFR 61.56, every pilot must complete a flight review every 24 calendar months to act as PIC. The review consists of a minimum of 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Some equivalent activities (FAA WINGS program completion, certain checkrides, military flight evaluations) may substitute for a separate flight review.
What records must Part 91 operators retain?
Aircraft maintenance records per 91.417 — total time in service permanently retained; current status of life-limited parts permanently; current inspection status and AD compliance retained for 1 year after the work is repeated/superseded; major repairs and alterations permanently. Pilot logbooks per 61.51 — sufficient documentation to show currency and aeronautical experience.
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