Federal Aviation Regulations
The Federal Aviation Regulations, or FARs, are rules prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration governing all aviation activities in the United States. The FARs are part of the Code of Federal Regulations. A wide variety of activities are regulated, such as airplane design, typical airline flights, pilot training activities, hot-air ballooning and even model rocket launches. The rules are designed to promote safe aviation, protecting pilots, passengers and the general public from unnecessary risk. They are also intended to protect the national security of the United States, especially in light of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Organization
The FARs are organized into sections, called parts due to their organization within the Code of Federal Regulations. Each part deals with a specific type of activity. For example, FAR Part 141 contains rules for pilot training schools. The sections most relevant to aircraft pilots and aircraft manufacturers are listed below.
- Part 1 – Definitions and Abbreviations.
- Part 21 – Certification Procedures for Products and Parts.
- Part 23 – Airworthiness Standards: Normal, Utility, Acrobatic and Commuter Category Airplanes.
- Part 25 – Airworthiness Standards: Transport Category Airplanes.
- Part 33 – Airworthiness Standards: Aircraft Engines.
- Part 43 – Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration.
- Part 61 – Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors.
- Part 67 – Medical Standards and Certification.
- Part 71 – Designation of Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E Airspace Areas; Airways; Routes; and Reporting Points.
- Part 73 – Special Use Airspace.
- Part 91 – General Operating and Flight Rules.
- Part 97 – Standard Instrument Approach Procedures.
- Part 103 – Ultralight Vehicles.
- Part 105 – Parachute Operations.
- Part 119 – Certification: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators.
- Part 121 – Operating Requirements: Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental Operations.
- Part 135 – Operating Requirements: Commuter and On Demand Operations.
- Part 137 – Agricultural Aircraft Operations.
- Part 141 – Flight Schools.
- Part 142 – Training Centers.