FAR 91.715 — Foreign Aircraft Authorizations
FAR 91.715 explains how foreign civil aircraft can operate in U.S. airspace without standard airworthiness certificates via special flight authorization.
In Plain English
FAR 91.715 allows foreign civil aircraft to operate in U.S. airspace without the airworthiness certificates normally required under § 91.203, provided they obtain a special flight authorization. This is the regulatory pathway used when foreign-registered aircraft need to fly in the U.S. for purposes such as ferry flights, demonstrations, or airshow appearances.
Key points:
- Where to apply: Application is made to the appropriate Flight Standards Division Manager or Aircraft Certification Service Division Director.
- Airshow exception: For aircraft demonstrating at an airshow, the application may be filed with the Manager or Director responsible for the airshow location.
- FAA discretion: The Administrator may attach any conditions or limitations considered necessary for safe operation in U.S. airspace.
- Part 375 compliance: Operations must also comply with 14 CFR Part 375, the DOT Special Regulations governing foreign civil aircraft operations.
Operationally, this rule matters because foreign aircraft don't automatically meet U.S. airworthiness standards. The special authorization process lets the FAA evaluate the aircraft and impose safeguards before it shares U.S. airspace.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.715§ 91.715 Special flight authorizations for foreign civil aircraft.
(a) Foreign civil aircraft may be operated without airworthiness certificates required under § 91.203 if a special flight authorization for that operation is issued under this section. Application for a special flight authorization must be made to the appropriate Flight Standards Division Manager, or Aircraft Certification Service Division Director. However, in the case of an aircraft to be operated in the U.S. for the purpose of demonstration at an airshow, the application may be made to the appropriate Flight Standards Division Manager or Aircraft Certification Service Division Director responsible for the airshow location.
(b) The Administrator may issue a special flight authorization for a foreign civil aircraft subject to any conditions and limitations that the Administrator considers necessary for safe operation in the U.S. airspace.
(c) No person may operate a foreign civil aircraft under a special flight authorization unless that operation also complies with part 375 of the Special Regulations of the Department of Transportation (14 CFR part 375).
[Docket 18334, 54 FR 34320, Aug. 18, 1989, as amended by Amdt. 91-212, 54 FR 39293, Sept. 25, 1989; Docket FAA-2018-0119, Amdt. 91-350, 83 FR 9171, Mar. 5, 2018]
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2120-0005)
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Can a foreign civil aircraft operate in the U.S. without a U.S. airworthiness certificate?
Yes. Under FAR 91.715, a foreign civil aircraft may operate without the airworthiness certificate required by § 91.203 if it has been issued a special flight authorization by the FAA.
Q2Who issues a special flight authorization for a foreign civil aircraft, and where is the application submitted?
Per FAR 91.715(a), the application is made to the appropriate Flight Standards Division Manager or Aircraft Certification Service Division Director; for airshow demonstrations, it may go to the Manager or Director responsible for the airshow location.
Q3Besides the special flight authorization itself, what other regulation must a foreign civil aircraft operator comply with?
FAR 91.715(c) requires the operation to also comply with Part 375 of the Special Regulations of the Department of Transportation (14 CFR Part 375).
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Related Sections in Part 91