Definition
The section of the federal aviation regulations that designates and describes the boundaries of U.S. airspace, including Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points.
Plain English
A federal rule book that defines where each type of controlled airspace begins and ends in the United States.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA publications when the text is pointing to the legal source for airspace designations and boundaries.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the official collection of U.S. government rules. Title 14 covers Aeronautics and Space, and Part 71 within that title is the part that lays out airspace designations.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots rely on these designations to know the exact rules, equipment needs, and clearances required for the airspace they enter.
Intuition Check
Do not read “part 71” as a page number or a chapter in the AIM. It is a legal regulation section in the federal aviation rules.
Example Sentence 1
The new Class E surface area around the airport was established under 14 CFR part 71.
Example Sentence 2
The AIM directs readers to 14 CFR Part 71 for the official designation of all controlled airspace and reporting points nationwide.