Definition
The section of the federal aviation regulations that governs the operation of ultralight vehicles in the United States. It sets the rules for what qualifies as an ultralight, where and when ultralights may be flown, and what operating limitations apply. Notably, ultralights flown under this part do not require a pilot certificate, aircraft registration, or airworthiness certificate, but must meet specific weight, speed, and fuel-capacity limits.
Plain English
14 CFR 103 is the federal rulebook for ultralights. It tells you what counts as an ultralight, who can fly one, where you can fly it, and what you cannot do with it. If you stay within its limits, you do not need a pilot license to fly the aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen when studying aircraft classifications, especially the difference between certificated aircraft and ultralight vehicles.
Derivation
CFR' stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the official collection of U.S. federal rules. '14' is the title (volume) covering aeronautics and space. '103' is the specific part within that title that addresses ultralight vehicles. So '14 CFR 103' simply points to one specific chunk of the federal aviation rulebook.
Why Pilots Care
Ultralight pilots must follow these rules to operate legally and avoid enforcement action or loss of the regulatory privileges that allow certificate-free flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read “14 CFR 103” as a model number or course number. It is a legal reference to the federal rules for ultralight vehicles.
Example Sentence 1
Because his single-seat powered aircraft met the weight and speed limits of 14 CFR 103, he could fly it without a pilot certificate.
Example Sentence 2
Before operating a new ultralight, the builder confirmed it met all weight and performance limits listed in 14 CFR 103.