Definition
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 29, Section 1303, which lists the minimum flight and navigation instruments required for type certification of transport category rotorcraft. The section specifies items such as an airspeed indicator, altimeter, magnetic direction indicator, clock, and free air temperature indicator that must be installed for the aircraft to be certified.
Plain English
This is the FAA rule that sets the basic list of cockpit instruments a large helicopter must have to be approved for use. If a transport helicopter is built and certified, this rule says which flight instruments must be on board.
Context Anchor
Seen in helicopter instrument procedure material when the handbook explains what flight and navigation equipment a helicopter must have for instrument operations.
Derivation
The symbol § means 'section' and comes from a medieval mark used to flag a passage of text. '29' refers to Part 29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, which covers transport category rotorcraft. '1303' is the specific section number within that part. Knowing the structure helps you find any FAR quickly: Title 14 → Part → Section.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the helicopter has the necessary instruments before attempting IFR operations or training.
Intuition Check
Do not read § 29.1303 as the name of an instrument or procedure. It is a regulation citation that points to the rule describing required equipment.
Example Sentence 1
Under § 29.1303, the helicopter must be equipped with an airspeed indicator, an altimeter, and a magnetic direction indicator before it can be certified.
Example Sentence 2
The operator added a second attitude indicator to bring the aircraft into full compliance with § 29.1303.