14 CFR 91.181
§ 91.181 Course to be flown.
United States · 14 CFR — Aeronautics and Space · Status: effective
Cite this
- Citation
- 14 CFR 91.181, § 91.181 Course to be flown, United States, version 1 as recorded 2026-07-09, yourstate.us, https://yourstate.us/provision/55924
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Full text
Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft within controlled airspace under IFR except as follows:
(a) On an ATS route, along the centerline of that airway.
(b) On any other route, along the direct course between the navigational aids or fixes defining that route. However, this section does not prohibit maneuvering the aircraft to pass well clear of other air traffic or the maneuvering of the aircraft in VFR conditions to clear the intended flight path both before and during climb or descent.
Legislative history
This is a federal regulation, adopted through agency rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act — not enacted by a recorded vote of Congress.