Plain English Meaning
Not a rule you must follow. It is helpful information or advice, but it is not the law.
Full Definition
Describes guidance, information, or material that is not legally binding and does not carry the force of a federal aviation regulation. Nonregulatory content offers recommendations, best practices, or background knowledge, but compliance is not required by law.
Context Anchor
Seen in airspace discussions when the FAA separates airspace into regulatory and nonregulatory categories.
Derivation
From the prefix 'non-' (not) plus 'regulatory' (relating to rules). The word 'regulate' comes from the Latin 'regula', meaning a rule or straight stick used as a measuring guide. So 'nonregulatory' simply means 'not a rule you are measured against.'
Why Pilots Care
Helps pilots know which parts of official FAA materials must be followed and which parts are simply suggestions for safer or more efficient flying.