FAR 91.1617 — Tehran FIR Flight Prohibition
FAR 91.1617 (SFAR 117) prohibits U.S. operators and FAA airmen from flying in the Tehran FIR (OIIX), with limited exceptions and emergency deviations.
In Plain English
FAR 91.1617 is Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) No. 117, which prohibits flight operations in the Tehran Flight Information Region (FIR), OIIX. It matters because violating an SFAR airspace prohibition can cost you your certificate — and your safety.
The rule applies to:
- 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)
Key points:
- Default rule: No flight operations in the Tehran FIR (OIIX).
- Exceptions: Flights conducted under a U.S. Government contract, grant, or cooperative agreement (or a subcontract) with FAA approval, or under an FAA-issued exemption.
- Emergency deviation: The pilot in command may deviate to the extent required for the safety of the flight. Most non-Part 119/121/125/135 operators must file a written report with the responsible Flight Standards Office within 10 business days.
- Sunset: SFAR 117 remains in effect until October 31, 2027, unless amended or extended.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.1617§ 91.1617 Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 117—Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Tehran Flight Information Region (FIR) (OIIX).
(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 Tehran Flight Information Region (FIR) (OIIX).
(c)This section does not prohibit persons described in paragraph (a) of this section from conducting flight operations in the Tehran FIR (OIIX), provided that such flight operations are conducted 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 parts 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 October 31, 2027. The FAA may amend, rescind, or extend this SFAR as necessary.
[Docket FAA-2020-0874, Amdt. 91-359, 85 FR 68440, Oct. 29, 2020, as amended by Amdt. 91-359A, 87 FR 57384, Sept. 20, 2022; Amdt. 91-359B, 89 FR 80390, Oct. 3, 2024]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What does SFAR 117 prohibit, and who does it apply to?
Per FAR 91.1617, SFAR 117 prohibits flight operations in the Tehran FIR (OIIX) by U.S. air carriers and commercial operators, FAA airmen exercising certificate privileges, and operators of U.S.-registered civil aircraft, with narrow foreign-air-carrier exceptions.
Q2Are there any way to legally fly in the Tehran FIR under this rule?
Yes. FAR 91.1617(c) allows flights conducted under a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with a U.S. Government department or agency (including subcontracts) with FAA approval, or under an FAA-issued exemption.
Q3If you have an in-flight emergency that forces you into the Tehran FIR, what are your obligations?
Under FAR 91.1617(d), the PIC may deviate to the extent required for safety. Most non-Part 119/121/125/135 operators must file a complete report with the responsible Flight Standards Office within 10 days, excluding weekends and federal holidays.
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Related Sections in Part 91