Federal Aviation Regulations
14 CFR § 91.15 — Dropping objects
Volume 2 · Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, 2025 annual edition. U.S. Government work — public domain (17 U.S.C. §105).
The regulation, in full
Sec. 91.15 Dropping objects.
No pilot in command of a civil aircraft may allow any object to be
dropped from that aircraft in flight that creates a hazard to persons or
property. However, this section does not prohibit the dropping of any
object if reasonable precautions are taken to avoid injury or damage to
persons or property.What this means for the knowledge test
Our own study notes for this section — reviewed through our AI instructional-review system, not by a certificated flight instructor. Not an authoritative source.
No pilot in command may allow any object to be dropped from an aircraft in flight that creates a hazard to persons or property. However, dropping an object is permitted if reasonable precautions are taken to avoid injury or damage to persons or property on the surface.
14 CFR 91.15
Lessons that cover § 91.15
Practice questions on § 91.15 (1)
Under 14 CFR 91.15, when may an object be dropped from an aircraft in flight?
Answer When reasonable precautions are taken to avoid injury or damage
A pilot may not allow an object to be dropped in flight that creates a hazard, but dropping is permitted if reasonable precautions are taken to avoid injury or damage to persons or property.