6-1-1.
Pilot Responsibility and Authority
a. The
pilot-in-command of an aircraft is directly responsible for
and is the final authority as to the operation of that
aircraft. In an emergency requiring immediate action, the
pilot-in-command may deviate from any rule in 14 CFR Part
91, Subpart A, General, and Subpart B, Flight Rules, to the
extent required to meet that emergency.
REFERENCE-
14 CFR Section 91.3(b).
b. If the
emergency authority of 14 CFR Section 91.3(b) is used
to deviate from the provisions of an ATC clearance, the
pilot-in-command must notify ATC as soon as possible and
obtain an amended clearance.
c. Unless
deviation is necessary under the emergency authority of 14
CFR Section 91.3, pilots of IFR flights experiencing two-way
radio communications failure are expected to adhere to the
procedures prescribed under "IFR operations, two-way radio
communications failure."
REFERENCE-
14 CFR Section 91.185.
6-1-2.
Emergency Condition- Request Assistance Immediately
a. An
emergency can be either a distress or urgency
condition as defined in the Pilot/Controller Glossary.
Pilots do not hesitate to declare an emergency when they are
faced with distress conditions such as fire,
mechanical failure, or structural damage. However, some are
reluctant to report an urgency condition when they
encounter situations which may not be immediately perilous,
but are potentially catastrophic. An aircraft is in at least
an urgency condition the moment the pilot becomes
doubtful about position, fuel endurance, weather, or any
other condition that could adversely affect flight safety.
This is the time to ask for help, not after the situation
has developed into a distress condition.
b. Pilots who
become apprehensive for their safety for any reason should
request assistance immediately. Ready and willing
help is available in the form of radio, radar, direction
finding stations and other aircraft. Delay has caused
accidents and cost lives. Safety is not a luxury! Take
action!
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