Passenger briefing

Before each takeoff in a passenger-carrying airplane, the pilot in command must ensure passengers receive an oral briefing covering six key topics: smoking restrictions, safety belt and shoulder harness use, how to open doors and emergency exits, survival equipment locations, ditching procedures and flotation equipment (for overwater flights), and oxygen equipment use.

The PIC or a crewmember must give this briefing, though it can be skipped if the PIC determines passengers are already familiar with the information. The briefing may be supplemented with printed cards showing emergency exit diagrams and equipment instructions. These cards must be conveniently located and specific to that aircraft type.

This regulation ensures passengers know critical safety information before flight. It applies to Part 91 operations carrying passengers, though operations under Subpart K (fractional ownership) follow different briefing requirements found in §91.1035 instead.

*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.*