---
kind: "section"
citation: "14 C.F.R. § 135.161"
title: "14"
number: "135.161"
heading: "Communication and navigation equipment for aircraft operations under VFR over routes navigated by pilotage."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/14/135.161"
---

# §135.161. Communication and navigation equipment for aircraft operations under VFR over routes navigated by pilotage.

- (a) No person may operate an aircraft under VFR over routes that can be navigated by pilotage unless the aircraft is equipped with the two-way radio communication equipment necessary under normal operating conditions to fulfill the following:
  - (1) Communicate with at least one appropriate station from any point on the route, except in remote locations and areas of mountainous terrain where geographical constraints make such communication impossible.
  - (2) Communicate with appropriate air traffic control facilities from any point within Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace, or within a Class E surface area designated for an airport in which flights are intended; and
  - (3) Receive meteorological information from any point en route, except in remote locations and areas of mountainous terrain where geographical constraints make such communication impossible.
- (b) No person may operate an aircraft at night under VFR over routes that can be navigated by pilotage unless that aircraft is equipped with—
  - (1) Two-way radio communication equipment necessary under normal operating conditions to fulfill the functions specified in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section; and
  - (2) **Navigation equipment suitable for the route to be flown.**

## Notes

### Amendments

[Docket FAA-2002-14002, 72 FR 31684, June 7, 2007, as amended by Amdt. 135-116, 74 FR 20205, May 1, 2009]

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, 41706, 44701-44702, 44705, 44709, 44711-44713, 44715-44717, 44722, 44730, 45101-45105; Pub. L. 112-95, 126 Stat. 58 (49 U.S.C. 44730).

### Source

Source: Docket 16097, 43 FR 46783, Oct. 10, 1978, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[Docket FAA-2002-14002, 72 FR 31684, June 7, 2007, as amended by Amdt. 135-116, 74 FR 20205, May 1, 2009]