Prohibition on interference with crewmembers

This regulation prohibits anyone from assaulting, threatening, intimidating, or interfering with crewmembers while they're performing their duties on aircraft operating under Part 135 (commuter and on-demand operations). This applies to all persons aboard the aircraft—passengers, other crew, or anyone else.

The rule protects crewmembers so they can safely perform their jobs without disruption. In practice, this means passengers cannot physically or verbally threaten flight attendants or pilots, refuse to follow crew instructions in ways that interfere with their duties, or create disturbances that prevent crew from doing their work.

Violations can result in serious consequences including civil penalties and potential criminal prosecution under federal law. The regulation ensures crewmembers maintain authority necessary for safe flight operations, particularly important in smaller Part 135 operations like charter flights, air taxis, and commuter airlines where crew resources may be more limited than on major airline flights.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*