Definition
A specific paragraph within Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 61 (Certification of Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors), Subpart F (Commercial Pilots), Section 61.123 (Eligibility requirements for a commercial pilot certificate), paragraph (c). This paragraph is one of the eligibility requirements an applicant must meet to obtain a commercial pilot certificate. It is cited in flight instructor endorsements that confirm an applicant has met that specific requirement.
Plain English
This is a precise pointer into the federal aviation rulebook. It identifies one exact paragraph -- paragraph (c) of section 61.123 -- that lists one of the things a person must do or have before they can be issued a commercial pilot certificate. Instructors quote this exact citation when they sign off a student to show that requirement has been met.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight instructor endorsement guidance, especially when preparing or verifying the endorsement needed for a commercial pilot knowledge test.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations. The numbering reads from broadest to narrowest: title (14, which covers Aeronautics and Space), part (61, pilot certification), subpart (F, commercial pilots), section (61.123), and paragraph ((c)). Knowing this hierarchy makes any FAA citation easy to locate.
Why Pilots Care
Endorsements must cite the exact regulation they cover. Writing or accepting a sign-off with the wrong citation can invalidate the endorsement and delay a checkride.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as the endorsement wording itself. It is a pointer to the rule that explains when the endorsement is required and what the instructor must certify.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor wrote the endorsement referencing 14 CFR part 61 subpart F section 61.123(c) to confirm the applicant met that eligibility requirement for the commercial pilot certificate.
Example Sentence 2
The examiner asked whether the applicant had met every item in 14 CFR part 61 subpart F section 61.123(c) during the practical test.