FAR 91.1603 — Libya Flight Prohibition
FAR 91.1603 (SFAR 112) prohibits U.S. operators and FAA airmen from flying in Libyan territory and airspace. Learn exceptions, emergency deviations, and reporting.
In Plain English
FAR 91.1603 is Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) No. 112, which prohibits flight operations in the territory and airspace of Libya. It matters because violating an SFAR prohibition can result in certificate action, even for general aviation pilots flying internationally.
The rule applies to:
- All U.S. air carriers and U.S. commercial operators
- Anyone exercising the privileges of an FAA airman certificate (unless flying a U.S.-registered aircraft for a foreign air carrier)
- All operators of U.S.-registered civil aircraft (unless the operator is a foreign air carrier)
Flights into Libyan airspace are only allowed when conducted under a U.S. Government contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with FAA approval, or under a specific FAA exemption. The FAA prioritizes approvals for U.S. Government-sponsored activities first.
In an in-flight emergency, the pilot in command may deviate from the prohibition as required for safety. Most deviating pilots (other than Part 119/121/125/135 operators) must file a written report with the responsible Flight Standards Office within 10 business days. The SFAR remains in effect until March 20, 2028.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.1603§ 91.1603 Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 112—Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya.
(a)This Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) applies to the following persons:
(1) All U.S. air carriers and U.S. commercial operators;
(2) All persons exercising the privileges of an airman certificate issued by the FAA, except when such persons are operating U.S.-registered aircraft for a foreign air carrier; and
(3) All operators of U.S.-registered civil aircraft, except when the operator of such aircraft is a foreign air carrier.
(b)Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, no person described in paragraph (a) of this section may conduct flight operations in the territory and airspace of Libya.
(c)This section does not prohibit persons described in paragraph (a) of this section from conducting flight operations in the territory and airspace of Libya, provided that such flight operations occur under a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with a department, agency, or instrumentality of the U.S. Government (or under a subcontract between the prime contractor of the department, agency, or instrumentality and the person described in paragraph (a) of this section), with the approval of the FAA, or under an exemption issued by the FAA. The FAA will consider requests for approval or exemption in a timely manner, with the order of preference being: First, for those operations in support of U.S. Government-sponsored activities; second, for those operations in support of government-sponsored activities of a foreign country with the support of a U.S. Government department, agency, or instrumentality; and third, for all other operations.
(d)In an emergency that requires immediate decision and action for the safety of the flight, the pilot in command of an aircraft may deviate from this section to the extent required by that emergency. Except for U.S. air carriers and commercial operators that are subject to the requirements of 14 CFR part 119, 121, 125, or 135, each person who deviates from this section must, within 10 days of the deviation, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays, submit to the responsible Flight Standards Office a complete report of the operations of the aircraft involved in the deviation, including a description of the deviation and the reasons for it.
(e)This SFAR will remain in effect until March 20, 2028. The FAA may amend, rescind, or extend this SFAR, as necessary.
[Docket No FAA-2011-0246, Amdt. 91-321E, 85 FR 45091, July 27, 2020, as amended by Docket FAA-2011-0246, Amdt. 91-321F, 88 FR 16878, Mar. 21, 2023; FAA-2011-0246, Amdt. 91-321G, 90 FR 13076, Mar. 19, 2025]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What does SFAR 112 prohibit, and who does it apply to?
Per FAR 91.1603, SFAR 112 prohibits flight operations in the territory and airspace of Libya by U.S. air carriers, U.S. commercial operators, FAA airman certificate holders, and operators of U.S.-registered civil aircraft, with limited exceptions for foreign air carrier operations.
Q2Are there any circumstances where you could legally fly into Libyan airspace as an FAA-certificated pilot?
Yes. Under FAR 91.1603(c), you may operate in Libya under a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with a U.S. Government department or agency with FAA approval, or under an FAA-issued exemption.
Q3If an emergency forces you to deviate from FAR 91.1603, what are your reporting obligations?
FAR 91.1603(d) lets the PIC deviate as required for safety. Unless you're a Part 119/121/125/135 operator, you must submit a complete report of the deviation to the responsible Flight Standards Office within 10 days, excluding weekends and Federal holidays.
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