Definition
A specific paragraph within Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 43, Section 43.3(g), which permits the holder of a pilot certificate issued under Part 61 to perform certain preventive maintenance on any aircraft owned or operated by that pilot, provided the aircraft is not used under Part 121, 129, or 135. It is the regulatory authority that allows pilots — not just mechanics — to carry out the limited preventive maintenance tasks listed in Part 43, Appendix A.
Plain English
This is the rule that lets a private or commercial pilot legally do small maintenance jobs on their own aircraft — things like changing the oil or replacing a tire — without needing a mechanic to do it.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedure and database currency discussions, especially when the text explains a pilot’s responsibility for keeping navigation information current and legal to use.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations — the published collection of U.S. federal rules. Title 14 covers Aeronautics and Space. The citation is read as 'Title 14, Part 43, Section 3, paragraph (g),' which points to one specific subparagraph in the maintenance regulations. Knowing the structure makes the citation feel less like a code and more like an address.
Why Pilots Care
This regulation lets pilots handle routine preventive tasks themselves, reducing downtime and maintenance costs during instrument training and IFR operations.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as saying Part 91 is a maintenance manual. Part 91 covers operating rules; section 43.3(g) is the separate rule that allows only certain limited pilot-performed maintenance.
Example Sentence 1
Under 14 CFR Part 43.3(g), the owner-pilot replaced the aircraft's tire and logged the work in the maintenance records.
Example Sentence 2
The student referenced 14 CFR Part 91, — 43.3(g) to determine whether replacing a landing light bulb required a mechanic or could be done by the pilot.