Definition
The section of U.S. federal aviation regulations that designates and describes airspace classes, federal airways, area navigation routes, and reporting points within the National Airspace System. Part 71 establishes the legal boundaries and structure of Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace, including where each class begins and ends.
Plain English
It is the rulebook that officially defines where each type of controlled airspace exists in the United States, including the airways pilots fly along.
Context Anchor
A student pilot may see this reference in FAA handbooks, airspace discussions, and legal or chart-related explanations of how airspace is established.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the published collection of U.S. government rules. Title 14 covers Aeronautics and Space, and Part 71 is the specific chapter dealing with airspace designations.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must follow the rules in Part 71 to determine equipment, communication, and clearance requirements for every class of airspace they enter.
Intuition Check
Do not read “parts 71” as an aircraft part or a chapter in the handbook. Here, “Part 71” means a numbered section of federal aviation law.
Example Sentence 1
The boundaries of the Class B airspace surrounding the airport are established under 14 CFR part 71.
Example Sentence 2
Sectional charts show the boundaries created by 14 CFR parts 71 so pilots can see exactly where airspace rules change.