General

This regulation establishes the foundation for all standard instrument approach procedures, takeoff minimums, and obstacle departure procedures (ODPs) used in the United States. These procedures are designed according to specific FAA technical standards (primarily FAA Order 8260.3, known as TERPs).

In practical terms, this means every instrument approach, departure procedure, and published minimum you use has been formally documented on official FAA forms and incorporated into federal regulations. While pilots don't typically need to access these underlying forms (available at FAA offices and online), this regulation ensures that the procedures published on your approach plates and departure charts have legal standing and follow standardized design criteria.

The key takeaway: the instrument procedures you fly aren't arbitrary—they're formally adopted federal standards based on rigorous design criteria, and you can find them published on official FAA aeronautical charts at the FAA's website.

*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.*