Definition
The section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that prescribes the procedures a pilot must follow if two-way radio communications fail while operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). It specifies what route to fly, what altitude to maintain, and when to begin descent and approach at the destination, based on whether the failure occurs in visual or instrument meteorological conditions.
Plain English
This is the rule that tells an IFR pilot exactly what to do if the radio stops working. It covers what path to fly, how high to fly, and when to start the approach to landing, so that pilots and air traffic control behave predictably even when they can't talk to each other.
Context Anchor
You may see this citation in instrument procedures, lost-communication discussions, approach briefings, and IFR training materials, including terminal arrival area procedures.
Derivation
14 CFR means Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which is the section of US federal law covering aeronautics and space. The § symbol means 'section.' So '14 CFR § 91.185' is a precise address: Title 14, Part 91 (general operating rules), Section 185 (the lost-comm rule).
Why Pilots Care
Compliance keeps the aircraft predictable to ATC and other traffic, allowing the flight to continue safely to landing without creating conflicts.
Intuition Check
Do not read 14 CFR § 91.185 as an approach procedure or a clearance. It is the regulation that tells you what rules to follow when IFR communication is lost.
Example Sentence 1
When the radios went quiet in the clouds, the pilot followed 14 CFR § 91.185 and continued on the last assigned route at the highest of the assigned, minimum IFR, or expected altitude.
Example Sentence 2
The arrival briefing included a review of 14 CFR § 91.185 so the crew would know the expected altitudes if radios failed.