Message posted by Tom on February 27, 2008 at 11:38:30 PST:

It's been a while since I've done any flying, but as I recall pilots have great leeway when it comes to emergencies. Section 91.3(b) of the FARs (below), allows a pilot in command to deviate from any part of the FARs to accomodate the emergency. It's an amazing amount of power. That's why the first thing an air controller will ask, if you call in with trouble, is "Are you declaring an emegency?" If you do, you get carte blanche.

Granted you have to do a written report after the fact, but if your engine quits, you have full authority under the FARs to land where you need to. Of course there could be other government statutes you might violate (military tresspassing charges?), but that would be different from FAR violations.
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91.3 Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command.

(a) The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft.

(b) In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule of this part to the extent required to meet that emergency.

(c) Each pilot in command who deviates from a rule under paragraph (b) of this section shall, upon the request of the Administrator, send a written report of that deviation to the Administrator.

In Reply to: Re: Emergency landing posted by Don on February 27, 2008 at 9:43:10 PST:

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