Definition
A specific section of the federal aviation regulations that defines key terms used throughout 14 CFR Part 105, the rules governing parachute operations. Section 105.3 contains the regulatory definitions that apply when interpreting the rest of Part 105, including terms such as 'approved parachute' and 'foreign parachutist.'
Plain English
It's the part of the federal rules that lists what certain words mean inside the parachute-jumping rules. When the regulations use a term like 'approved parachute,' Section 105.3 is where you find the official meaning.
Context Anchor
Seen in AIM glossary entries when the AIM is pointing you to the official FAA rule definition behind a term.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations — the official compilation of U.S. federal rules. Title 14 is the volume that covers Aeronautics and Space. Part 105 covers parachute operations, and the number after the dot (105.3) identifies a specific section within that part. The numbering system lets pilots and regulators point to an exact rule quickly.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots flying jump operations, or any flight that involves parachute jumps, need to know which rules apply. Section 105.3 sets the vocabulary for the whole part, so understanding it is the starting point for understanding what the rest of Part 105 actually requires.
Intuition Check
Do not read 14 CFR — 105.3 as a page number or AIM paragraph. It is a citation to a federal aviation rule section.
Example Sentence 1
Before signing off on the jump flight, the pilot reviewed 14 CFR 105.3 to confirm what the regulation meant by 'approved parachute.'
Example Sentence 2
All jumpers must follow the definitions listed in 14 CFR 105.3 when planning a parachute drop.