---
kind: "range"
citation: "14 C.F.R. §§ 137.43–137.49"
title: "14"
from: "137.43"
to: "137.49"
count: 4
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/14/137.43..137.49"
---

# §137.43. Operations in controlled airspace designated for an airport.

- (a) Except for flights to and from a dispensing area, no person may operate an aircraft within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class D airspace designated for an airport unless authorization for that operation has been obtained from the ATC facility having jurisdiction over that area.
- (b) No person may operate an aircraft in weather conditions below VFR minimums within the lateral boundaries of a Class E airspace area that extends upward from the surface unless authorization for that operation has been obtained from the ATC facility having jurisdiction over that area.
- (c) Notwithstanding [§ 91.157(b)(4)](/cfr/14/91.157.md?p=b-4) of this chapter, an aircraft may be operated under the special VFR weather minimums without meeting the requirements prescribed therein.

# §137.45. Nonobservance of airport traffic pattern.


Notwithstanding [part 91](/cfr/14/part91.md) of this chapter, the pilot in command of an aircraft may deviate from an airport traffic pattern when authorized by the control tower concerned. At an airport without a functioning control tower, the pilot in command may deviate from the traffic pattern if—

- (a) Prior coordination is made with the airport management concerned;
- (b) Deviations are limited to the agricultural aircraft operation;
- (c) Except in an emergency, landing and takeoffs are not made on ramps, taxiways, or other areas of the airport not intended for such use; and
- (d) The aircraft at all times remains clear of, and gives way to, aircraft conforming to the traffic pattern for the airport.

# §137.47. Operation without position lights.


Notwithstanding [part 91](/cfr/14/part91.md) of this chapter, an aircraft may be operated without position lights if prominent unlighted objects are visible for at least 1 mile and takeoffs and landings at—

- (a) Airports with a functioning control tower are made only as authorized by the control tower operator; and
- (b) Other airports are made only with the permission of the airport management and no other aircraft operations requiring position lights are in progress at that airport.

# §137.49. Operations over other than congested areas.


Notwithstanding [part 91](/cfr/14/part91.md) of this chapter, during the actual dispensing operation, including approaches, departures, and turnarounds reasonably necessary for the operation, an aircraft may be operated over other than congested areas below 500 feet above the surface and closer than 500 feet to persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures, if the operations are conducted without creating a hazard to persons or property on the surface.