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The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 121.347

Communication and navigation equipment for operations under VFR over routes navigated by pilotage

Read the official rule

This regulation sets communication and navigation equipment requirements for Part 121 air carriers flying VFR over routes navigated by pilotage (visual landmarks).

Day VFR operations require radio equipment capable of:

  • Communicating with at least one appropriate station anywhere along the route
  • Communicating with ATC when operating in Class B, C, D airspace or Class E surface areas
  • Receiving weather information via two independent systems (though one system can serve double duty for communication and weather)

Night VFR operations require everything above plus navigation equipment suitable for the planned route, since visual navigation becomes more difficult after dark.

The practical impact: Even when flying VFR by visual reference, Part 121 carriers must maintain robust communication capabilities and have backup weather information sources. Night operations demand additional navigation equipment beyond what's needed during the day, recognizing the reduced effectiveness of pilotage in darkness.

*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.