Definition
A specific subsection of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 43, Section 43.3, paragraph (h), which addresses authorization for the performance of maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alterations on civil aircraft. Paragraph (h) specifically permits the holder of a pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 61 to perform updates of databases used in installed avionics systems (such as GPS navigation databases) that are not classified as maintenance, provided the updates are performed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the regulation's conditions.
Plain English
It is the rule that lets a pilot personally update the navigation database in their aircraft's GPS or avionics, without needing a mechanic to do it.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedure and aircraft equipment discussions when the handbook explains a pilot’s responsibility for keeping approved navigation information or equipment data current.
Derivation
CFR means Code of Federal Regulations, the organized set of federal rules. Title 14 is the part of those rules that covers aviation. Part 43 is the maintenance part, and 43.3(h) points to one exact paragraph inside that maintenance rule.
Why Pilots Care
Lets pilots handle routine preventive items themselves, reducing downtime and cost while remaining within legal limits.
Analogy
Think of the citation like a street address for a rule: Title 14 is the city, Part 43 is the street, and 43.3(h) is the exact house number.
Intuition Check
Do not treat 14 CFR Part 43 — 43.3(h) as blanket permission for a pilot to work on aircraft systems. It only applies to the specific tasks and conditions allowed by that regulation.
Example Sentence 1
Before the IFR cross-country, the pilot updated the GPS navigation database under the authority of 14 CFR 43.3(h).
Example Sentence 2
Before a cross-country flight the owner-pilot checked tire pressures and replaced a nav light bulb using the authority in 14 CFR Part 43.3(h).