Final answer:
CFR Part 91 deals with the General operating and flight rules set by the FAA. These rules cover safe and efficient aircraft operation, including maintenance and alteration requirements. It is essential for pilots and aircraft operators to comply with these regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
CFR Part 91 covers General operating and flight rules for aviation. These regulations are established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and apply to all civil aircraft within the United States as well as to United States-registered civil aircraft operated in foreign airspace. The rules set forth in this part of the CFR are designed to ensure that air traffic is conducted safely and efficiently, dictating how aircraft are operated, including altitude norms, flight visibility, and distance from clouds. The sections within Part 91 provide a comprehensive set of rules that govern aspects such as flight instructions, instrument flight rules (IFR), visual flight rules (VFR), maintenance requirements, preventive maintenance, and the alteration of aircraft.
While some of the details such as the precise distances aircraft must maintain from each other in-flight — five miles apart at the same altitude, and either 2,000 or 1,000 feet vertically depending on the altitude — are more specifically detailed in other parts like CFR Part 71 for air traffic control procedures, Part 91 sets the general framework for these operations. Understanding CFR Part 91 is essential for pilots, aircraft owners, and operators, as non-compliance can lead to significant penalties including fines and suspension of pilot licenses. The comprehensive nature of these regulations ensures that all parties involved in the operation of aircraft are aware of their responsibilities to maintain safety and compliance in the national airspace system.