FAR 91.1615 — Pyongyang FIR Flight Prohibition
FAR 91.1615 (SFAR 79) prohibits U.S. operators and FAA airmen from flying in the Pyongyang FIR (ZKKP). Learn who's covered, exceptions, and emergency rules.
FAR 91.1615 is Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) No. 79, which bans most U.S.-related flight operations inside the Pyongyang Flight Information Region (FIR), ICAO code ZKKP — the airspace controlled by North Korea. The prohibition exists because of the serious safety risk to civil aircraft transiting that airspace.
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)
- Operators of U.S.-registered civil aircraft (unless the operator is a foreign air carrier)
Limited exceptions exist:
- Flights conducted under a U.S. government contract, grant, or cooperative agreement, with FAA approval
- Operations conducted under an FAA-issued exemption
- In-flight emergencies that require immediate action for safety — the PIC may deviate as needed, but most operators must file a written report to the responsible Flight Standards Office within 10 business days
This SFAR is currently set to expire September 18, 2028, unless amended or extended.
Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.
You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?