Definition
A specific section of the Federal Aviation Regulations, located in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 91, Appendix D, Section 3, which lists the airports at which fixed-wing aircraft are required to use special VFR weather minimums (1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds) only between sunrise and sunset, and at which Special VFR is otherwise restricted at night. Helicopters are exempt from this list and may operate Special VFR at these airports at any time, subject to other applicable rules.
Plain English
A part of the federal aviation rules that names certain busy airports where fixed-wing pilots can only fly Special VFR during the day. Helicopters do not have this restriction and can use Special VFR at these airports day or night.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA helicopter VFR minimums and Special VFR discussions, especially when comparing helicopter rules with airplane rules in controlled airspace near airports.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the official compilation of U.S. federal rules. Title 14 covers Aeronautics and Space. Part 91 covers General Operating and Flight Rules. Appendices add lists or technical details that would clutter the main rule text — in this case, a list of specific airports.
Why Pilots Care
Helicopter pilots rely on these exact minimums to decide whether a planned VFR flight is legal and safe without triggering additional IFR requirements.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “appendix” means optional background material. In the federal aviation rules, an appendix can contain binding legal requirements.
Example Sentence 1
Because the destination airport is listed in 14 CFR Part 91 appendix D § 3, the fixed-wing pilot had to wait for daylight to request Special VFR, but the medevac helicopter was able to depart immediately.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight briefing the instructor pointed to 14 CFR Part 91 appendix D § 3 to show why the planned route met VFR requirements.