Definition
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations is the section of U.S. federal regulations that covers aeronautics and space. It contains the rules issued by the FAA and other federal agencies governing aircraft, airmen, airspace, air traffic, airports, and aviation operations. Pilots most often deal with Parts within 14 CFR — for example, Part 61 (pilot certification), Part 91 (general operating and flight rules), and Part 141 (pilot schools).
Plain English
14 CFR is the official rulebook for flying in the United States. When a regulation tells pilots what they must or must not do, it almost always lives somewhere inside 14 CFR.
Context Anchor
You will see 14 CFR cited in FAA handbooks, aircraft records, checklists, maintenance discussions, pilot training materials, and practical test preparation whenever a requirement comes from federal aviation rules.
Derivation
The Code of Federal Regulations is the organized collection of rules made by U.S. federal agencies. It is divided into 50 numbered Titles by subject area. Title 14 is the one assigned to aeronautics and space, which is why aviation rules are referred to as '14 CFR.' Knowing this explains why pilots see citations like '14 CFR Part 91.3' — it is just an address: Title 14, Part 91, Section 3.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must follow these regulations to ensure the aircraft is legally airworthy and to avoid violations that could affect safety or certificate privileges.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Title 14” as just the title or name of a book. Here, “title” means one numbered section of the federal rule system, and 14 CFR contains legal requirements, not optional guidance.
Example Sentence 1
Before the flight, the pilot reviewed 14 CFR Part 91 to confirm the required preflight actions.
Example Sentence 2
The maintenance records showed compliance with all applicable sections of 14 CFR that govern annual inspections.