FAA Regulations & Certification — Parts 61, 91, 121, 135, 141 & 142

Reference, not a substitute for current operational information.

USAviation.info explains the subject in plain language. For flight, maintenance, certification or regulatory decisions, use the current official source and applicable approvals, procedures and guidance.

Part 61 — pilot certification

14 CFR Part 61 contains requirements for pilot, flight instructor and ground instructor certificates, ratings, authorizations, aeronautical experience and related privileges and limitations.

Part 91 — general operating and flight rules

14 CFR Part 91 contains the general operating and flight rules that apply broadly to civil aircraft operations in the United States, subject to the applicability and additional rules of other parts.

Part 121 — domestic, flag and supplemental operations

14 CFR Part 121 contains operating requirements for domestic, flag and supplemental operations. It is the framework commonly associated with major scheduled airline operations and certain supplemental operations.

Part 135 — commuter and on-demand operations

14 CFR Part 135 contains operating requirements for commuter and on-demand operations and rules governing persons aboard those aircraft. It is commonly associated with charter, air-taxi and certain commuter operations.

Part 141 and Part 142 — training organizations

Part 141 governs FAA-certificated pilot schools and approved training-course structures. Part 142 governs FAA-certificated training centers, including curriculum, personnel, training equipment, operating and recordkeeping requirements.

Always verify the current rule

This page is an orientation guide, not legal advice. Regulations change. For compliance or operational decisions, use the current eCFR text and applicable FAA guidance, approvals and operating specifications.