Communication and navigation equipment for extended over-water operations and for certain other operations

This regulation sets communication and navigation equipment requirements for extended over-water operations and certain other flights.

For extended over-water operations, aircraft must carry at least two independent long-range navigation systems and two independent long-range communication systems. These systems must enable the crew to communicate with at least one appropriate station from anywhere on the route, receive weather information, and maintain two-way voice capability on at least one system. One communication system may serve multiple functions.

The same equipment requirements apply to flag, supplemental, or Alaska domestic operations when the FAA determines it's necessary for search and rescue based on terrain characteristics.

The FAA may authorize reduced equipment—a single long-range navigation system and single long-range communication system—for specific operations and routes. The FAA considers factors like navigation accuracy capabilities, route length, and the duration of VHF communication gaps when granting such authorizations, which must be documented in the carrier's operations specifications.

*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.*