IR.III.A.K2FAA-S-ACS-8C · Nov 2023Knowledge
Pilot-in-Command (PIC) emergency authority.
Pilot-in-Command (PIC) emergency authority.
Bottom line
The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| within 48 hours, if requested by ATC, for a pilot given priority in an emergency | Report deadline |
FAA references
- 14 CFR 91.3 (Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- AIM 6-1-1 (Pilot Responsibility and Authority) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- 14 CFR 91.123 (Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- IPH App. A (p. A-1) — FAA-H-8083-16B
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