(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no certificate holder may conduct any operation over a route unless nonvisual ground aids are --

(1) Available over the route for navigating airplanes within the degree of accuracy required for ATC; and

(2) Located to allow navigation to any airport of destination, or alternate airport, within the degree of accuracy necessary for the operation involved.

(b) Nonvisual ground aids are not required for --

(1) Day VFR operations that can be conducted safely by pilotage because of the characteristics of the terrain;

(2) Night VFR operations on routes that the Administrator determines have reliable landmarks adequate for safe operation; or