Definition
A specific subdivision of 14 CFR Part 97 that contains the FAA-published Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures developed by the FAA. Approach procedures listed under Subpart C are public procedures available for use by any properly equipped and certificated pilot.
Plain English
Subpart C is the section of the federal aviation regulations where the FAA publishes its official public instrument approach procedures. If an approach is in Subpart C, it is a standard, publicly available procedure rather than a special or privately developed one.
Context Anchor
Seen in the Instrument Procedures Handbook when helicopter instrument procedures are being connected to the FAA rules for standard instrument approaches to airports.
Derivation
Subpart combines “sub-,” meaning “under” or “within,” with “part.” In regulations, a subpart is a smaller section inside a larger part; “C” is simply the letter label for that section.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing whether an approach lives under Subpart C tells the pilot whether it is a public procedure they can fly without special authorization. Special approaches outside Subpart C usually require specific training, equipment, or operator approval.
Intuition Check
Subpart C does not mean a C-rated aircraft, a helicopter part, or a special chart mark. It means Section C inside a larger FAA regulation.
Example Sentence 1
The ILS to Runway 27 is published under Subpart C, so any instrument-rated pilot in a properly equipped aircraft can fly it.
Example Sentence 2
Helicopter crews follow the procedures in Subpart C when transitioning from en route navigation to the final approach segment.