Communication and navigation facilities: Domestic and flag operations

This regulation ensures that required communication and navigation facilities are working before dispatching an aircraft on a route.

For domestic operations and most flag operations, dispatchers cannot release an airplane unless the specific communication and navigation facilities required for that route (per §§121.99 and 121.103) are functioning properly. This is a strict requirement with no exceptions.

However, flag operations (international flights) get limited flexibility when operating outside the United States. If the required facilities become unavailable due to technical problems or other circumstances beyond the airline's control, the pilot in command and dispatcher may jointly approve dispatch using alternative facilities—but only if those alternatives provide equivalent capability and are working satisfactorily.

This matters because it prevents aircraft from departing when they won't have adequate communication or navigation support along their route, while recognizing that international operations sometimes face infrastructure challenges requiring reasonable alternatives.

*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.*