Definition
The section of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations that establishes the special air traffic rule for the Grand Canyon National Park area. It restricts how and where aircraft may operate over the park to reduce noise and protect the natural quiet, defining flight-free zones, minimum altitudes, and corridors that pilots must follow.
Plain English
A federal rule that controls how aircraft can fly over the Grand Canyon. It tells pilots where they cannot fly, how high they must stay, and which routes they can use, mainly to keep the canyon quiet and protect the environment.
Context Anchor
Seen when studying the Washington, DC Special Flight Rules Area and other security-sensitive airspace in FAA training material.
Derivation
14 CFR' means Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the part of U.S. federal law covering aeronautics and space. '91' is the part covering general operating and flight rules, and '161' is the specific section number. Knowing the format helps you locate any FAR quickly: Title, Part, Section.
Why Pilots Care
Operating without the required training violates federal regulations and can result in certificate action or denial of entry into the airspace.
Grounding Statement
If your visual flight route comes within 60 nautical miles of the DCA navigation station, 14 CFR 91.161 is the rule that tells you to complete the required awareness training first.
Intuition Check
Do not read 14 CFR 91.161 as an airspace name or a clearance. It is a regulation citation that points to a specific training requirement.
Example Sentence 1
Before our flight near the Grand Canyon, the instructor reviewed 14 CFR 91.161 and showed me the flight-free zones on the special VFR aeronautical chart.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight briefing the instructor reminded the student that 14 CFR 91.161 applies to every flight inside the Washington DC Flight Restricted Zone.