Careless or reckless operation

In plain English

You may not operate an aircraft in a careless or reckless manner that endangers the life or property of another. This is the FAA’s broad "catch-all" — it can be applied to many unsafe acts on its own or alongside a more specific violation.

Key points

• No careless or reckless operation that endangers others.
• Applies both in flight and (in a narrower form) on the surface.
• Often cited together with a specific rule.

Common pitfalls

• Low passes, buzzing, or "showing off" near people.

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