Definition
The subsection of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 91, Section 91.205, paragraph (c), that lists the minimum instruments and equipment required to be installed and operational in a powered civil aircraft for flight under visual flight rules (VFR) at night.
Plain English
The federal rule that lists exactly what equipment your airplane must have working before you can legally fly it at night under visual flight rules.
Context Anchor
Seen when checking whether an airplane is legal for night VFR flight, especially during preflight planning, aircraft inspections, and equipment discussions.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations. Title 14 covers Aeronautics and Space. Part 91 contains the General Operating and Flight Rules. Section 91.205 is titled 'Powered civil aircraft with standard category U.S. airworthiness certificates: Instrument and equipment requirements.' Paragraph (c) is the night VFR portion. The lettered paragraphs build on each other: (b) covers day VFR, and (c) adds the extra items needed once the sun goes down.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the aircraft is legally equipped for night flight and helps prevent regulatory violations during preflight planning.
Analogy
Think of the citation like an address. “14 CFR” is the rulebook, “part 91” is the neighborhood, “section 91.205” is the house, and “(c)” is the exact room that contains the night VFR equipment rule.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just a random legal reference. It points to a specific night-flight equipment rule that can determine whether a planned flight is legal.
Example Sentence 1
Before her night cross-country, the pilot reviewed 14 CFR part 91, section 91.205(c) and confirmed that the position lights, anti-collision lights, landing light, and spare fuses were all installed and working.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor reminded the student to verify position lights and anticollision lights met 14 CFR part 91, section 91.205(c) during the preflight inspection.