Definition
The section of the U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations that contains the airworthiness standards for normal category rotorcraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 7,000 pounds or less and nine or fewer passenger seats. It governs the design, construction, performance, and equipment requirements a manufacturer must meet to obtain a type certificate for a small helicopter or gyroplane in the normal category.
Plain English
Part 27 is the rulebook a manufacturer has to follow when designing and certifying a smaller helicopter (under 7,000 lb, nine seats or fewer). It sets the minimum standards the aircraft must meet before the FAA will approve it for sale and use.
Context Anchor
Seen in helicopter IFR certification discussions, aircraft certification references, and approved flight manual limitations.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the organized collection of U.S. federal rules. Title 14 covers Aeronautics and Space, and within it the rules are split into numbered Parts. Part 27 is simply the chapter dealing with normal category rotorcraft. Knowing the numbering system helps you find related rules quickly: Part 23 (small airplanes), Part 25 (large airplanes), Part 27 (small rotorcraft), Part 29 (large rotorcraft).
Why Pilots Care
A helicopter must be certified under this regulation before its pilot can legally conduct instrument flight rules operations in it.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Part 27” as a pilot checklist or a training chapter. It is a certification rule for the aircraft, mainly used to decide what standards the helicopter was built and approved under.
Example Sentence 1
The Robinson R44 is certificated under 14 CFR Part 27 as a normal category rotorcraft.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot checked the type certificate data sheet to confirm the aircraft complied with 14 CFR Part 27 for the planned instrument flight.