National Security Requirements

AIM ¶ 5-6-2 National Security Requirements

AIM 5-6-2 explains national security rules for ADIZ, Defense Areas, TFRs, and NSAs. Study guide for pilot students prepping for checkrides and oral exams.

In Plain English

AIM 5-6-2 explains the national security rules that apply any time you fly in U.S. territorial airspace, an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), or a Defense Area. Under 14 CFR 99.7, you must comply with special security instructions issued by the FAA in coordination with the DoD or U.S. security/intelligence agencies — in addition to all other applicable Part 91 and Part 99 rules.

Because security postures change frequently, 14 CFR 91.103 (Preflight Action) requires you to become familiar with all available information before flight. That includes checking NOTAMs for:

  • TFRs under 91.137 (disaster/hazard areas)
  • TFRs under 91.138 (Hawaii national disaster areas)
  • TFRs under 91.141 (Presidential and VIP movements)
  • TFRs under 91.143 (space flight operations)
  • National Security Areas (NSAs) that may be temporarily converted to prohibited airspace under 99.7

Why it matters: Noncompliance can lead to denial of entry, a ground stop, interception by military aircraft, or detention and interview by law enforcement. A thorough NOTAM and TFR review during preflight is your best defense.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 5-6-2
5-6-2. 5-6-2. National Security Requirements Pursuant to 14 CFR 99.7, Special Security Instructions , each person operating an aircraft in an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) or Defense Area must, in addition to the applicable rules of part 99, comply with special security instructions issued by the FAA Administrator in the interest of national security, pursuant to agreement between the FAA and the Department of Defense (DoD), or between the FAA and a U.S. Federal security or intelligence agency. In addition to the requirements prescribed in this section, national security requirements for aircraft operations to or from, within, or transiting U.S. territorial airspace are in effect pursuant to 14 CFR 99.7; 49 United States Code (USC) 40103, Sovereignty and Use of Airspace ; and 49 USC 41703, Navigation of Foreign Civil Aircraft . Aircraft operations to or from, within, or transiting U.S. territorial airspace must also comply with all other applicable regulations published in 14 CFR. Due to increased security measures in place at many areas and in accordance with 14 CFR 91.103, Preflight Action , prior to departure, pilots must become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. Pilots are responsible to comply with 14 CFR 91.137 ( Temporary flight restrictions in the vicinity of disaster/hazard areas ), 91.138 ( Temporary flight restrictions in national disaster areas in the State of Hawaii ), 91.141 ( Flight restrictions in the proximity of the Presidential and other parties ), and 91.143 ( Flight limitation in the proximity of space flight operations ) when conducting flight in an area where a temporary flight restrictions area is in effect, and should check appropriate NOTAMs during flight planning. In addition, NOTAMs may be issued for National Security Areas (NSA) that temporarily prohibit flight operations under the provisions of 14 CFR 99.7. REFERENCE- AIM, Para 3-4-8, National Security Areas. AIM, Para 3-5-3, Temporary Flight Restrictions. Noncompliance with the national security requirements for aircraft operations contained in this section may result in denial of flight entry into U.S. territorial airspace or ground stop of the flight at a U.S. airport. Pilots of aircraft that do not adhere to the procedures in the national security requirements for aircraft operations contained in this section may be intercepted, and/or detained and interviewed by federal, state, or local law enforcement or other government personnel.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What regulation requires pilots to comply with special security instructions in an ADIZ or Defense Area?
Per AIM 5-6-2, 14 CFR 99.7 (Special Security Instructions) requires every pilot operating in an ADIZ or Defense Area to comply with special security instructions issued by the FAA Administrator in the interest of national security.
Q2What can happen if a pilot fails to comply with the national security requirements?
Per AIM 5-6-2, noncompliance may result in denial of flight entry into U.S. territorial airspace, a ground stop at a U.S. airport, interception, and/or detention and interview by federal, state, or local law enforcement or other government personnel.
Q3Which TFR regulations does AIM 5-6-2 specifically remind pilots to comply with, and how should pilots check for them?
Per AIM 5-6-2, pilots must comply with 14 CFR 91.137 (disaster/hazard areas), 91.138 (Hawaii national disasters), 91.141 (Presidential and other parties), and 91.143 (space flight operations), and should check appropriate NOTAMs during flight planning, consistent with 14 CFR 91.103 preflight action.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5
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AIM 5-6-2 — National Security Requirements