DC Special Awareness Training

FAR 91.161 DC Special Awareness Training

FAR 91.161 requires VFR pilots within 60 NM of the DCA VOR/DME to complete Special Awareness Training and carry a certificate of completion.

In Plain English

FAR 91.161 requires that any pilot serving as pilot in command or second in command under VFR within a 60-nautical mile radius of the DCA VOR/DME must first complete Special Awareness Training and hold a certificate of training completion.

The training is free on the FAA's website and covers procedures for flying around Washington, DC and other special use airspace. After completing it, you must print and carry your certificate.

You must present the certificate on request to:

  • An authorized FAA representative
  • An authorized NTSB representative
  • Any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer
  • An authorized TSA representative

Failure to complete the course is not a violation if you declared an emergency under § 91.3(b) or experienced a two-way radio communications failure under IFR per § 91.185.

The rule does not apply to part 135 air ambulance operators, the U.S. Armed Forces, or law enforcement agency flights. This matters because the DC area is highly sensitive airspace, and violations can lead to interception or certificate action.

Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.161
§ 91.161 Special awareness training required for pilots flying under visual flight rules within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME. (a)Except as provided under paragraph (e) of this section, no person may serve as a pilot in command or as second in command of an aircraft while flying within a 60-nautical mile radius of the DCA VOR/DME, under VFR, unless that pilot has completed Special Awareness Training and holds a certificate of training completion. (b)The Special Awareness Training consists of information to educate pilots about the procedures for flying in the Washington, DC area and, more generally, in other types of special use airspace. This free training is available on the FAA's Web site. Upon completion of the training, each person will need to print out a copy of the certificate of training completion. (c)Each person who holds a certificate for completing the Special Awareness Training must present it for inspection upon request from: (1) An authorized representative of the FAA; (2) An authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board; (3) Any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer; or (4) An authorized representative of the Transportation Security Administration. (d)The failure to complete the Special Awareness Training course on flying in and around the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area is not a violation of this section if an emergency is declared by the pilot, as described under § 91.3(b), or there was a failure of two-way radio communications when operating under IFR as described under § 91.185. (e)The requirements of this section do not apply if the flight is being performed in an aircraft of an air ambulance operator certificated to conduct part 135 operations under this chapter, the U.S. Armed Forces, or a law enforcement agency. [Docket FAA-2006-25250, 73 FR 46803, Aug. 12, 2008]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1If you plan to fly VFR within 60 NM of the DCA VOR/DME, what training is required before the flight?
Per FAR 91.161, the PIC and SIC must complete the FAA's free Special Awareness Training and hold a certificate of training completion before operating VFR within that 60-NM radius.
Q2Who can ask to see your DC Special Awareness Training certificate, and what should you do?
Under FAR 91.161(c), you must present the certificate upon request from an authorized FAA or NTSB representative, any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, or an authorized TSA representative.
Q3Are there any exceptions to the Special Awareness Training requirement?
Yes. FAR 91.161(e) exempts part 135 air ambulance operators, the U.S. Armed Forces, and law enforcement agency flights, and 91.161(d) excuses noncompliance during a declared emergency under § 91.3(b) or an IFR two-way radio failure under § 91.185.
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FAR 91.161 — DC SFRA Special Awareness Training