Definition
The Code of Federal Regulations is the official, organized collection of all permanent rules issued by the executive departments and agencies of the United States federal government. It is divided into 50 numbered Titles by subject area; aviation rules are found in Title 14, which contains the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) that govern pilots, aircraft, airspace, operations, and certification.
Plain English
The CFR is the master rulebook of the U.S. federal government. The aviation rules pilots must follow live inside it, in Title 14.
Context Anchor
You will see CFR references in FAA handbooks, regulations, checklists, training materials, and discussions about what a pilot is legally allowed or required to do.
Derivation
Code here means an organized body of rules (from Latin 'codex,' a bound book of laws). Federal means relating to the national U.S. government. Regulations are rules issued by government agencies to carry out laws passed by Congress. Together: the bound, organized rulebook of the federal government.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must know and comply with the sections of the CFR that apply to their operations, especially Title 14, which sets the standards for safe and legal flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read CFR as just another FAA handbook or training guide. A CFR reference points to an actual federal rule, not merely an explanation or suggestion.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot reviewed 14 CFR Part 91 to confirm the required equipment for night flight.
Example Sentence 2
During training, the instructor pointed out which parts of the CFR apply to student pilot privileges.