FAR 23.2610 — Instrument Markings & Placards

FAR 23.2610 sets the basic rules for how an airplane communicates critical information to the pilot through the cockpit itself. It applies to airplane certification under Part 23 and ensures that you, as the pilot, can quickly identify limitations and control functions without guessing.

The regulation requires three things:

• Conspicuous placards and instrument markings: Every airplane must display any placard or instrument marking needed for safe operation (think airspeed arcs, fuel limits, baggage weight limits).
• Clear control function labeling: The design must make the function of each cockpit control obvious — except for primary flight controls (yoke, rudder pedals, throttle), which are assumed to be self-evident.
• AFM documentation: The applicant (manufacturer) must include all instrument markings and placard information in the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).

Operationally, this matters because placards and markings are how the manufacturer communicates operating limitations directly to you in flight. Missing or illegible placards can render an aircraft unairworthy under 91.213 and 91.9.