Definition
The section of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 61, §61.43) that sets the rules for practical tests, including general procedures, who is eligible to take one, what areas of operation must be tested, and the standards an applicant must meet to pass.
Plain English
The federal rule that defines how the practical test (the checkride) is conducted and what an applicant must demonstrate to pass it.
Context Anchor
Seen when the Airplane Flying Handbook or certification material refers to the legal rules behind a practical test, often called a checkride.
Derivation
Section' here refers to a numbered subdivision of a federal regulation. The number 61.43 means Part 61, Section 43 — Part 61 is the body of rules covering pilot certification, and Section 43 within it covers practical tests specifically.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot preparing for any checkride needs to know the rules in this section so they understand the test process, the examiner's role, and the standards they must meet.
Intuition Check
Do not read “section” here as a physical part of an airplane or a paragraph in the handbook. In this context, section 61.43 is a specific numbered FAA regulation.
Example Sentence 1
Before the checkride, the applicant reviewed section 61.43 to understand exactly how the practical test would be conducted.
Example Sentence 2
Before the flight portion began, the applicant reviewed section 61.43 to confirm what maneuvers would be evaluated and how the examiner would score them.