FAR 91.1050 — Former FAA Employees
FAR 91.1050 restricts fractional owners and program managers from employing certain former FAA Flight Standards inspectors as agents before the FAA.
FAR 91.1050 is a "revolving door" rule that limits which former FAA employees a fractional owner or fractional ownership program manager can hire to represent them before the FAA.
The restriction applies if, in the preceding 2 years, the individual:
- Served as (or directly oversaw) a Flight Standards Service aviation safety inspector, and
- Had direct responsibility to inspect, or oversee the inspection of, that specific fractional owner's or program manager's operations.
If both conditions are met, the program may not knowingly employ or contract with that person to act as an agent or representative in any matter before the FAA. "Acting as an agent" includes making any written or oral communication to the FAA on the program's behalf — even if the person didn't personally work on that issue while at the FAA.
Why it matters operationally: This rule prevents conflicts of interest and undue influence when ex-inspectors transition to industry. Note the grandfather clause: individuals already employed by the program before October 21, 2011 are exempt.