Airports: Required data

This regulation requires Part 121 air carriers (domestic and flag operations) to demonstrate two things about airports they use:

Route approval: Airlines must show that proposed routes have enough suitable airports with adequate facilities, surfaces, lighting, navigation aids, and air traffic control for safe operations.

Data management system: Airlines must maintain an FAA-approved system for collecting and distributing current airport information to flight crews and operations personnel. This includes detailed data about runways (dimensions, surfaces, lighting, slopes), obstacles affecting performance calculations, instrument procedures, displaced thresholds, and special conditions like prevailing winds in low visibility.

For extended overwater operations (ETOPS beyond 180 minutes) and polar operations, airlines must verify that airports have adequate passenger protection facilities.

The FAA can require changes to an airline's data system if it becomes inadequate, with emergency changes taking effect immediately if safety demands. This ensures flight crews always have accurate, current airport information for flight planning and operations.

*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.*