Regulation Text
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, after August 4, 1997, no person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft in a Category II or a Category III operation unless—
(1) There is available in the aircraft a current and approved Category II or Category III manual, as appropriate, for that aircraft;
(2) The operation is conducted in accordance with the procedures, instructions, and limitations in the appropriate manual; and
(3) The instruments and equipment listed in the manual that are required for a particular Category II or Category III operation have been inspected and maintained in accordance with the maintenance program contained in the manual.
(b) Each operator must keep a current copy of each approved manual at its principal base of operations and must make each manual available for inspection upon request by the Administrator.
(c) This section does not apply to operations conducted by a certificate holder operating under part 121 or part 135 of this chapter or a holder of management specifications issued in accordance with subpart K of this part.
[Docket 26933, 61 FR 34560, July 2, 1996, as amended by Amdt. 91-280, 68 FR 54560, Sept. 17, 2003]
The short answer
(14 CFR § 91.191) After August 4, 1997, no person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft in a Category II or Category III operation unless a current, approved Cat II or Cat III manual is available in the aircraft, the operation follows that manual, and the required instruments and equipment are inspected and maintained per the manual's program.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What must be carried aboard for a Category II or III operation?
A current and approved Category II or Category III manual, as appropriate, for that aircraft.
“(1) There is available in the aircraft a current and approved Category II or Category III manual, as appropriate, for that aircraft” — 14 CFR § 91.191(a)(1)
Where must the operator keep its approved manual?
A current copy must be kept at the principal base of operations and made available for FAA inspection on request.
“(b) Each operator must keep a current copy of each approved manual at its principal base of operations and must make each manual available for inspection upon request by the Administrator.” — 14 CFR § 91.191(b)
Does this section apply to part 121, part 135, or subpart K operators?
No — it does not apply to certificate holders under part 121 or 135 or holders of subpart K management specifications.
“(c) This section does not apply to operations conducted by a certificate holder operating under part 121 or part 135 of this chapter or a holder of management specifications issued in accordance with subpart K of this part.” — 14 CFR § 91.191(c)
Angle of Attack is an aviation flight-training brand founded by Chris Palmer, a two-time Master Aviation Educator and Gold Seal CFI. We decode the FARs so pilots understand not just the words, but what they mean in the cockpit.
AOA's Decoded pages are plain-English interpretation for training and reference. They are not legal advice and do not replace the official regulation. Always confirm current requirements against the authoritative source before acting.