Definition
The section of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 61, that establishes the requirements for practical tests, including the conditions under which tests are conducted, the required level of skill and knowledge, and the standards an applicant must meet to pass. It identifies the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or Practical Test Standards (PTS) as the official source of those standards.
Plain English
This is the federal rule that says how a pilot checkride is run and what an applicant has to demonstrate to pass it. It points to the ACS or PTS as the official scorecard the examiner uses.
Context Anchor
Seen in Airman Certification Standards, Practical Test Standards, and checkride preparation materials when explaining the legal basis for the practical test.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the published set of U.S. government rules. Title 14 covers Aeronautics and Space, and part 61 covers certification of pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors. Section 61.43 is simply the numbered subsection within part 61 that deals specifically with practical tests.
Why Pilots Care
Understanding this section helps a pilot know what to expect on a checkride, what the examiner can and cannot do, and how the test directly measures compliance with published standards.
Intuition Check
Do not read part here as an aircraft component. In a regulation citation, part means a major numbered division of the rules, and section means the specific rule inside that part.
Example Sentence 1
During checkride preparation, the instructor reminded the applicant that 14 CFR part 61, section 61.43 requires the practical test to be conducted to the standards in the ACS.
Example Sentence 2
Applicants should review 14 CFR part 61, section 61.43 before the checkride to understand the examiner’s authority and the test procedures.