Which regulation was involved in FAA v. Merrell?

• A. 14 CFR 91.123
• B. 14 CFR 61.3
• C. 14 CFR 125.2
• D. 14 CFR 43.3

Answer: (A)

Pilots must follow air traffic control instructions; once ATC issues a clearance or instruction, it is binding and noncompliance can be grounds for enforcement. In FAA v. Merrell, the issue centered on whether ignoring ATC instructions could be punished under this rule, and the ruling supports that ATC directions are enforceable against a pilot’s certificate. That binding nature of ATC instructions is what makes this regulation the relevant one in the case. The other regulations point to different areas—certificate holder responsibilities, certain air carrier certification rules, or maintenance and records—and do not address the obligation to comply with ATC directives in the same way.