Definition
The section of United States federal law that contains the rules governing aeronautics and space. It includes the regulations that pilots, flight instructors, mechanics, air traffic controllers, aircraft operators, and aviation schools must follow. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) writes and enforces most of the parts within 14 CFR, including the well-known Part 61 (pilot certification), Part 91 (general operating and flight rules), and Part 141 (pilot schools).
Plain English
It is the official rulebook for flying in the United States. When pilots talk about 'the regs' or 'the FARs,' this is what they mean.
Context Anchor
You will see 14 CFR cited in FAA handbooks, practical test standards, instructor materials, and regulation references such as 14 CFR part 61 or 14 CFR part 91.
Derivation
The Code of Federal Regulations is the organized collection of all U.S. federal rules, divided into 50 numbered Titles by subject. Title 14 is the one assigned to 'Aeronautics and Space.' So '14 CFR' simply means 'the aviation volume of the federal rulebook.'
Why Pilots Care
These regulations establish the mandatory legal standards that every pilot, instructor, and operator must follow for certification and safe flight operations.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Title” as just the name of a document. Here, a title is a major numbered section of the federal rulebook. Do not read “code” as computer code; here, it means an organized collection of official rules.
Example Sentence 1
Before her checkride, she reviewed 14 CFR Part 61 to confirm the experience requirements for the private pilot certificate.
Example Sentence 2
A student preparing for a checkride reviews the relevant sections of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations to confirm the privileges and limitations of the private pilot certificate.