Definition
A specific federal regulation within Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 23, that establishes the load distribution limits an airplane manufacturer must demonstrate during certification. It sets the rules for the range of weights and center of gravity positions an airplane is shown to handle safely, which then become the operating limits published in the airplane's flight manual.
Plain English
It is the rule that says airplane makers must prove their aircraft is safe across a defined range of weights and weight distributions. The numbers a pilot sees in the flight manual for maximum weight and center of gravity limits come from this requirement.
Context Anchor
Seen in weight-and-balance discussions, especially when explaining where an airplane’s approved loading limits come from.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the official collection of U.S. government rules. Title 14 is the volume covering aviation. Part 23 contains the airworthiness standards for normal-category airplanes, and section 23.23 is the specific paragraph dealing with load distribution limits.
Why Pilots Care
Staying inside these limits keeps the airplane controllable and prevents loss of performance or stability.
Analogy
Think of the citation like an address for a rule: Title 14 is the broad area, part 23 is the building, and section 23.23 is the exact room.
Grounding Statement
This citation is about setting the safe loading boundaries before the airplane is approved for operation.
Intuition Check
Do not read “14 CFR part 23, section 23.23” as an airplane model, a checklist step, or a handbook chapter. It is a legal reference to a specific federal aviation rule.
Example Sentence 1
The weight and balance envelope in the pilot's operating handbook reflects the load distribution limits required by 14 CFR part 23, section 23.23.
Example Sentence 2
During the weight-and-balance review, the instructor confirmed compliance with 14 CFR part 23, section 23.23 for the training flight.