Definition
A federal regulation in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations that prohibits operating a civil aircraft without complying with the operating limitations specified in the approved Airplane Flight Manual, markings, and placards. It also requires that a current, approved Airplane Flight Manual be carried in the aircraft during flight when one is required.
Plain English
A rule that says you must fly the airplane within the limits stated in its flight manual and on its placards, and you must have that flight manual on board when it is required.
Context Anchor
You will see this citation during preflight planning, aircraft checkout, and any discussion of the Pilot's Operating Handbook or Airplane Flight Manual limitations.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the official collection of U.S. government rules. Title 14 is the part of that collection covering aeronautics and space. Knowing this helps a pilot recognize 14 CFR references as binding federal aviation rules, not advisory guidance.
Why Pilots Care
Directly enforces the legal duty to verify airworthiness, protecting safety and preventing regulatory violations.
Intuition Check
Do not treat this as just a handbook reference or a suggestion. It is a legally enforceable operating rule, and it points you back to the limits approved for the specific aircraft you are flying.
Example Sentence 1
Before each flight, the pilot confirmed the Airplane Flight Manual was on board, as required by 14 CFR part 91, section 91.9.
Example Sentence 2
An inoperative navigation light discovered on inspection must be addressed before flight to remain within 14 CFR part 91, section 91.9.