Definition
The section of U.S. federal aviation regulations that sets the airworthiness standards for the design and certification of small airplanes in the normal category, generally those with a maximum takeoff weight of 19,000 pounds or less and a seating configuration of 19 or fewer. It covers structural strength, performance, flight characteristics, controls, systems, and equipment that an airplane must meet before the FAA will issue a type certificate.
Plain English
The federal rulebook the manufacturer has to follow when they design and build a small airplane, so the FAA will agree it is safe to fly.
Context Anchor
Seen in airplane certification and multiengine training discussions, especially when explaining why an airplane has certain approved performance or handling limits.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the organized collection of U.S. federal rules. Title 14 is the volume that contains aviation rules, and Part 23 is the chapter within it dealing with small airplane design standards. Knowing this helps you read citations like '14 CFR 23.51' — Title 14, Part 23, Section 51.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must know which regulations govern their airplane because Part 23 aircraft have specific performance and equipment limits that affect training, maintenance, and operational decisions.
Intuition Check
Do not read “part 23” as a physical part of the airplane. Here, “part” means a numbered section of the federal aviation rules.
Example Sentence 1
Most light single- and twin-engine training airplanes are certified under 14 CFR part 23.
Example Sentence 2
Before beginning multiengine training, the instructor reviewed the 14 CFR Part 23 certification requirements for the airplane.