Definition
Two specific sections of the federal aviation rules. Part 61 contains the certification requirements for pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors -- including eligibility, training, testing, and currency rules. Part 65 contains the certification requirements for airmen other than flight crewmembers, such as aircraft dispatchers, mechanics, repairmen, parachute riggers, and air traffic control tower operators.
Plain English
Part 61 is the rulebook for becoming and staying a pilot or instructor. Part 65 is the rulebook for becoming other certified aviation professionals like mechanics and dispatchers. Both sit inside the FAA's larger book of regulations.
Context Anchor
You will see this reference in FAA handbooks, instructor materials, and regulation discussions about who may train, test, certify, or work in specific aviation roles.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations -- the organized collection of all rules issued by U.S. federal agencies. Title 14 is the volume covering aeronautics and space. Within Title 14, the rules are split into numbered parts, each covering a specific topic.
Why Pilots Care
Compliance with these parts determines whether a pilot or instructor can legally hold and exercise their certificate.
Intuition Check
“Parts” does not mean aircraft parts here. It means numbered sections of the federal aviation rulebook.
Example Sentence 1
Before signing off a student for the practical test, the flight instructor confirmed all training requirements in 14 CFR part 61 had been met.
Example Sentence 2
An applicant for an aviation mechanic certificate must satisfy the experience and testing rules found in 14 CFR parts 61 and 65.