During an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, what may the pilot in command do?

• A. Deviate from any rule of 14 CFR part 91 to the extent required to meet that emergency
• B. Follow all rules without deviation
• C. Deviate only from altitude restrictions
• D. Delay action until off-airspace

Answer: (A)

When an in-flight emergency requires immediate action, the pilot in command has the authority to deviate from any rule in 14 CFR part 91 to the extent needed to handle the emergency. This allowance is there so the PIC can act quickly to protect lives and the aircraft, even if that means bending normal procedures for the moment. The deviation is not a free pass to ignore rules forever; it’s limited to what’s necessary to resolve the emergency, and normal compliance should be resumed as soon as it’s practical. This explains why following every rule without deviation or delaying action would be inappropriate in an urgent situation.