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The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 121.342

Pitot heat indication systems

Read the official rule

If your aircraft has a pitot heat system, this regulation requires it to also have a working indication system that tells you when pitot heat is on. This applies to:

  • All transport category airplanes
  • Nontransport category airplanes type certificated after December 31, 1964 (operated after December 20, 1999)

The indication system must meet the standards in § 25.1326 as it existed in April 1978. In practical terms, this means you need a light, gauge, or other indicator in the cockpit showing that pitot heat is actually functioning. This matters because pitot tubes can ice over in visible moisture and cold temperatures, causing unreliable airspeed indications. Without a working indicator, you might not know if your pitot heat has failed, leaving you vulnerable to pitot icing and potentially dangerous airspeed indication failures.

*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.*

This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 20, 2026.