Definition
The set of installed cockpit instruments and avionics required to control the aircraft's attitude, altitude, heading, and position, and to navigate along a defined route under instrument flight rules. In the helicopter IFR certification context, this includes the attitude indicator, heading indicator, altimeter, airspeed indicator, vertical speed indicator, turn and slip indicator, clock, magnetic compass, and the navigation receivers (such as VOR, ILS, GPS) needed for the type of IFR operation being conducted.
Plain English
The instruments and radios in the cockpit that let the pilot fly the aircraft and find their way when they cannot see outside.
Context Anchor
Seen in helicopter IFR certification discussions, where the FAA describes what equipment must be installed and working before a helicopter can be approved for IFR operations.
Derivation
Navigation comes from older words meaning to steer or direct a vessel. The idea carried from ships to aircraft: navigation equipment helps the pilot direct the aircraft from one place to another, not just keep it in the air.
Why Pilots Care
Helicopters must have approved flight and navigation equipment installed and functioning before they are legally authorized for IFR flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read “equipment” here as any useful device a pilot brings along. In this FAA context, it means required aircraft equipment that is installed, approved, and suitable for the type of flight being conducted.
Example Sentence 1
Before departing IFR, the pilot confirmed that all required flight and navigation equipment was operational and properly set.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight, the pilot confirmed the flight and navigation equipment met the minimum standards listed in the certification documents.