Definition
In the context of U.S. aviation regulations (14 CFR Part 1), the term 'United States' means the States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the possessions of the United States, including the territorial waters and the overlying airspace.
Plain English
When the FAA's rules say 'United States,' they mean more than just the 50 states. They include D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, the waters along the coast, and the airspace above all of those areas.
Context Anchor
Seen in regulations, certificates, operating rules, and airspace discussions when a rule says where it applies.
Derivation
United States originally means states joined together under one national government. In aviation use, the phrase is treated as a legal geographic area, so it can include U.S. airspace, waters, and territories as well as the states themselves.
Why Pilots Care
It defines exactly where FAA authority and federal aviation law are in force.
Intuition Check
Do not assume United States means only the 50 states. In aviation rules, it also includes specified U.S. territories, waters, and the airspace above them.
Example Sentence 1
A pilot operating an aircraft within the United States, including over its territorial waters, must comply with the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations.
Example Sentence 2
A temporary flight restriction was issued across the United States after the volcanic eruption.