Skeye
REGULATION — OFFICIAL DEFINITION

Critical altitude

14 CFR § 1.1 — Definitions

Official definition — 14 CFR Part 1

REGULATION — OFFICIAL DEFINITION

Critical altitude means the maximum altitude at which, in standard atmosphere, it is possible to maintain, at a specified rotational speed, a specified power or a specified manifold pressure. Unless otherwise stated, the critical altitude is the maximum altitude at which it is possible to maintain, at the maximum continuous rotational speed, one of the following:

Reproduced verbatim from the eCFR. Regulatory definitions control how the term is used throughout 14 CFR.

Is this a regulation?

Yes — this is regulatory text and is legally binding.

Definition published in 14 CFR Part 1. Regulatory definitions are legally binding wherever the defined term is used in 14 CFR.

SkeyeMentor FAA Library is an educational reference and study aid. Regulatory and FAA materials can change. SkeyeMentor provides links and contextual explanations to help pilots study, but users should verify current requirements through official FAA, eCFR and other applicable government sources before relying on them operationally. SkeyeMentor explanations are educational and are not legal advice.