Definition
The section of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 43, Appendix A, that lists the specific maintenance tasks classified as preventive maintenance, which a certificated pilot who owns or operates an aircraft (other than one used in air carrier or certain commercial operations) is permitted to perform on that aircraft.
Plain English
It is the official list, written in U.S. aviation regulations, that tells you exactly which simple maintenance jobs a pilot is allowed to do on their own aircraft without needing a certified mechanic.
Context Anchor
Seen in preventive maintenance discussions, aircraft logbook questions, and decisions about whether an owner or pilot may legally perform a specific maintenance task.
Derivation
CFR' stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the published collection of U.S. federal rules. Title 14 covers Aeronautics and Space. Part 43 is the part that deals with maintenance, and Appendix A is the attached list at the end of that part. Knowing this helps a pilot find it: Title 14, Part 43, look at Appendix A.
Why Pilots Care
It defines exactly which simple tasks a pilot can complete without involving an A&P mechanic, keeping the aircraft legal and airworthy.
Intuition Check
Do not assume appendix A is just extra background reading. In this citation, appendix A is part of the regulation and has legal force.
Example Sentence 1
Before changing the landing light bulb himself, the owner checked 14 CFR part 43 appendix A to confirm the task was approved for pilot-performed preventive maintenance.
Example Sentence 2
The owner consulted 14 CFR part 43 appendix A to see whether replacing a tire qualified as preventive maintenance.