Persons on board

This regulation extends the prohibition against interfering with crewmembers to everyone aboard an aircraft operating under Part 91 (general aviation operations).

Section 91.11 makes it illegal to assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with any crewmember performing their duties. While 91.11 itself doesn't specify who it applies to, this regulation clarifies that it covers all persons on board—not just passengers, but also pilots, instructors, mechanics riding along, or anyone else aboard the aircraft.

In practical terms, this means everyone must allow the crew to perform their safety duties without interference. For example, a passenger cannot physically interfere with a pilot during flight, and even another pilot aboard cannot threaten or intimidate the pilot flying. Violations can result in civil penalties or criminal prosecution. This regulation ensures flight safety by protecting crewmembers' authority to operate the aircraft and make safety decisions without disruption from anyone else on board.

*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.*