91.701 Aerobatic flight

• (a) Except as provided in paragraph (e), a pilot-in-command must not operate an aircraft in aerobatic flight--
  • (1) over an area that is within a horizontal distance of 600 metres of a congested area of a city, town, or settlement; or
  • (2) over an area that is within a horizontal distance of 600 metres of an open air assembly of persons; or
  • (3) within any controlled airspace except with the authorisation of ATC.
• (b) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (f), a pilot-in-command must not operate an aircraft in aerobatic flight below a height of 3000 feet above the surface.
• (c) A pilot-in-command may operate an aircraft in aerobatic flight below a height of 3000 feet above the surface--
  • (1) but not less than 1500 feet above the surface if the pilot holds an aerobatic rating issued in accordance with Part 61; and
  • (2) below a height of 1500 feet above the surface if the pilot--
    • (i) holds an aerobatic rating issued in accordance with Part 61; and
    • (ii) does not perform aerobatic flight below the height authorised in their aerobatic rating; and
    • (iii) is participating in an aviation event.
• (d) A pilot-command must not operate an aircraft in aerobatic flight carrying a passenger unless
  • (1) the pilot holds an aerobatic rating issued in accordance with Part 61; and
  • (2) the flight is conducted at a height not less than 3000 feet above the surface.
• (e) A pilot-in-command may operate an aircraft in aerobatic flight over an area that is within a horizontal distance of 600 metres of spectators at an aviation event if the pilot is participating in that aviation event in accordance with rule 91.703.
• (f) A pilot of a glider may operate a glider in aerobatic flight below a height of 3000 feet above the surface without holding an aerobatic rating issued in accordance with Part 61 if--
  • (1) the aerobatic flight is for the purpose of spin training; and
  • (2) the flight is conducted at a height not less than 1000 feet above the surface.