AOPA @ OSH

Come see us at EAA AirVenture

June 7, 2023 By Julie Summers Walker

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The annual EAA AirVenture airshow takes place July 24 through 30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Photography by David Tulis

Ask AOPA

It’s all fun and games

Until you violate Part 91

Q: Just for fun, I flew a high-speed, low-altitude pass down the length of the runway at my home airport. While I was tying down, another pilot approached and told me I should not do that as it is not legal. Was he right?

A: Possibly, yes. This exercise can result in a violation of FAR 91.119(c), depending on your surroundings. For airplanes, FAR 91.119 prohibits flight “over other than congested areas” to an altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except when over open water or sparsely populated areas; then you can fly lower as long as the airplane is not operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. Assuming your home airport is in a sparsely populated area, you would still need to stay 500 feet from any structures—including hangars, runway lighting, or even a windsock—and vehicles, such as any airplanes on the surface.

FAR 91.119 states that you have to stay above the altitudes indicated in the rule “except when necessary for takeoff or landing,” but the FAA almost certainly won’t agree that this exception includes a high-speed, low-altitude pass just for fun. The FAA views this exception very narrowly, as mostly recently shown when the agency sought enforcement action against a pilot who was conducting an inspection pass of an off-airport landing site in accordance with FAA guidance, but came within 500 feet of structures. That case is currently still being appealed.

What about a practice approach, touch and goes, or a go-around? Although not specifically addressed in the regulation, the FAA has long stated that these maneuvers in the traffic pattern fall under the “except when necessary for landing” exception. In doing so, the FAA cites cases that found the purpose of these maneuvers is to improve a pilot’s capabilities.

Unless you can comply with the minimum safe altitudes in FAR 91.119, reconsider your low pass.

AOPA’s Pilot Protection Services offers consultations regarding aviation-related legal matters, as well as support and representation in matters related to FAA enforcement actions. aopa.org/pps

Visit AOPA on the flight line across from the Brown Arch and let us help you get the most out of your membership. Visit our main tent to meet staff who can help you with these important resources:

Member Services: You’ll be able to renew your membership in person.

Pilot Information Center: Whether you are looking for information about FAA regulations, flight planning, or anything that might affect your certificate, we can help answer your questions in person.

Airport Support Network: Talk to our AOPA airports and state advocacy team to learn how you can help us protect your airport.

Pilot Protection Services: Let Pilot Protection Services help protect what means the most to you—your pilot and medical certificates. Learn more about this exclusive members-only benefit before you take your next flight.

AOPA Travel: Get inspired at our AirVenture display, which has interactive travel tools, AOPA Weather, and more.

Pilot Gear Store: See the latest AOPA Pilot Gear and swag and walk away with some fresh looks.

Air Safety Institute: Sit in on one of many ASI seminars at our Program Pavilion and learn how to be a safer pilot.

AFTA: See the AOPA Flight Training Advantage (AFTA) in action. This game-changing flight training platform adapts to student progress, simplifies CFI workload, and provides flight schools new insight into their business.

Rusty Pilots: If you have been away from flying or could just use a refresher, attend a Rusty Pilots seminar to help you get back in the air.

AOPA Sweepstakes Cessna 170B: See how we're transforming the airplane into a backcountry beast.

All the You Can Fly initiatives are fueled by the AOPA Foundation. Come learn more about the programming funded by generous donors and how you can help build a stronger, safer aviation community for current and future pilots.

aopa.org/community/airventure

[email protected]

JARGON: Go-around

A go-around is an aborted landing when on final approach. It can be either initiated by the pilot flying or requested by air traffic control because of an obstruction on the runway or other possible reasons such as an unstabilized approach. A "touch-and-go" is the planned practice of touching down on the runway and immediately taking to the air again, usually to practice landing techniques.

Julie Summers Walker

AOPA Senior Features Editor

AOPA Senior Features Editor Julie Summers Walker joined AOPA in 1998. She is a student pilot still working toward her solo.

Go to Julie Summers Walker's Profile