Aural speed warning device

This regulation requires transport category airplanes operated in air commerce to have a working aural speed warning device that meets specific certification standards. The device must alert pilots when the airplane approaches its maximum safe operating speed, helping prevent structural damage or loss of control from excessive speed.

The reference to § 25.1303(c)(1) points to certification standards requiring the warning to activate at a speed sufficiently below the maximum operating limit to give pilots time to react. This is the familiar overspeed warning sound you'll hear in transport aircraft.

This rule applies specifically to transport category airplanes (typically larger commercial aircraft) operating in air commerce. It doesn't apply to smaller general aviation aircraft or transport category planes operated outside of air commerce (such as private operations not involving compensation or hire). The device is a critical safety feature that provides an immediate audible alert when speed limits are being approached.

*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.*