Airports: Required data

This regulation applies to Part 121 supplemental operators (typically charter flights) and sets two main requirements for airport operations.

First, operators may only use airports that are properly equipped and adequate for their planned operations, considering factors like runway size, surface conditions, obstructions, facilities, lighting, navigation aids, and air traffic control.

Second, operators must maintain an FAA-approved system for collecting and distributing current airport data to flight crews and other personnel. This data must cover:

• Airport facilities, services, and construction activity
• Runway dimensions, surfaces, markings, lighting, and gradients
• Displaced threshold information
• Obstacles affecting performance calculations
• Instrument procedures (departures, approaches, missed approaches)
• Special information like runway visual range equipment and prevailing winds in low visibility

The FAA can require changes to an operator's data system if it becomes inadequate, with immediate action possible in emergencies. This ensures flight crews have accurate, current information for safe operations at every airport they use.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*