In an in-flight emergency, the pilot in command may deviate from applicable flight rules when immediate action requires it.

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Location PART 3 - THE THIRD AXIS CHAPTER 15: DEPLOY NOW, PRAY LATER Who’s In Charge?

"In an in-flight emergency, the pilot in command may deviate from applicable flight rules when immediate action requires it."

Section 91.3(b) authorizes the pilot in command to deviate from applicable rules to the extent necessary during an emergency requiring immediate action. Buffalo River Aviation cited this authority when explaining why its pilots elected to retain Emergency Autoland during the December 2025 depressurization event.

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Source title § 91.3 Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command.

Source authors Federal Aviation Administration

Source year 2026

Confidence high

Importance high