Plain English Meaning

A class of larger airplanes — mostly airliners and big business jets — that must be built and tested to a higher safety standard than light aircraft, including the ability to keep flying safely if an engine fails.

Full Definition

A category of aircraft certificated under 14 CFR Part 25, covering large multi-engine airplanes (generally over 12,500 pounds maximum takeoff weight, or turbojets regardless of weight) that must meet stricter performance, structural, and systems requirements than smaller aircraft. Performance certification for these aircraft is based on demonstrated, not predicted, capability and includes specific takeoff, , and requirements with engine-failure margins built in.