Definition
A specific provision within Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 23, that establishes load distribution limits for normal, utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes. It requires manufacturers to determine the ranges of weights and centers of gravity within which the airplane can be safely operated, and to demonstrate that the airplane remains controllable and structurally adequate throughout those ranges.
Plain English
A federal rule that requires aircraft manufacturers to figure out and publish the safe weight and balance limits for an airplane before it can be certified.
Context Anchor
Seen in weight-and-balance discussions when the handbook explains where approved airplane loading limits come from.
Derivation
“Section” comes from a word meaning a division or separated part. In regulations, a section is one numbered division of a larger rule; here, part 23 is the larger rule, and 23.23 is the specific division about load distribution limits.
Why Pilots Care
Compliance ensures the airplane remains controllable and stable throughout its flight envelope.
Intuition Check
Do not read “section 23.23” as an aircraft section, checklist step, or page number. Here it is a regulation citation: a specific FAA rule about approved airplane loading limits.
Example Sentence 1
The weight and CG envelope shown in the Pilot's Operating Handbook was established by the manufacturer to comply with section 23.23.
Example Sentence 2
Aircraft flight manuals include data showing compliance with section 23.23 load distribution limits.