Definition
A specific numbered subdivision within Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 61, which contains the federal rules for the certification of pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors. A 'section' is the smallest numbered unit of the regulation (for example, §61.103, §61.109, §61.129) and addresses a particular requirement such as eligibility, aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, or aeronautical experience for a given certificate or rating.
Plain English
One specific rule within the federal pilot certification regulations. Each section has its own number and covers one piece of what's required to earn a particular pilot certificate or rating.
Context Anchor
You see this in FAA handbooks, instructor records, and practical test guidance when a requirement is tied to a specific regulation.
Derivation
CFR' stands for Code of Federal Regulations. 'Title 14' is the volume covering Aeronautics and Space. 'Part 61' is the chunk of Title 14 dealing with airmen certification. A 'section' is just the next level down — one specific numbered rule inside that part. The number after the decimal (e.g., §61.109) identifies the individual section.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot cannot legally obtain a certificate or exercise its privileges without satisfying the standards in this regulation.
Intuition Check
Do not read “part” and “section” as loose, everyday words here. In this context, they are exact legal divisions of the federal aviation rules.
Example Sentence 1
Before recommending the student for the private pilot practical test, the instructor verified that all aeronautical experience requirements in the applicable 14 CFR part 61 section had been met.
Example Sentence 2
All knowledge test questions for the private pilot certificate are drawn directly from the rules in 14 CFR part 61.