FAR 91.883 — Stage 3 Noise Authorizations
FAR 91.883 explains when non-Stage 3 jets weighing 75,000 lbs or less may operate in the contiguous U.S. under a special flight authorization.
In Plain English
FAR 91.883 restricts operations of jet airplanes weighing 75,000 pounds or less that do not meet Stage 3 noise levels. After December 31, 2015, these airplanes generally cannot fly in the contiguous 48 states unless the operator obtains a special flight authorization from the FAA.
A special flight authorization may only be issued for one of these purposes:
- Selling, leasing, or using the airplane outside the 48 contiguous states
- Scrapping the airplane
- Modifying it to meet Stage 3, 4, or 5 noise levels
- Performing scheduled heavy maintenance or significant modifications at a U.S. facility
- Delivering the airplane to a lessee or returning it to a lessor
- Preparing, parking, or storing the airplane for any of the above activities
- Providing emergency relief transport of persons or goods
- Diverting to an alternate U.S. airport for weather, mechanical, fuel, ATC, or other safety reasons during one of the above flights
Applications go to the FAA's Office of Environment and Energy and must be filed at least 30 days before the flight (except for emergency relief flights). This rule matters because it limits where and why older, louder jets can operate, helping reduce community noise exposure.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.883§ 91.883 Special flight authorizations for jet airplanes weighing 75,000 pounds or less.
(a) After December 31, 2015, an operator of a jet airplane weighing 75,000 pounds or less that does not comply with Stage 3 noise levels may, when granted a special flight authorization by the FAA, operate that airplane in the contiguous United States only for one of the following purposes:
(1) To sell, lease, or use the airplane outside the 48 contiguous States;
(2) To scrap the airplane;
(3) To obtain modifications to the airplane to meet Stage 3, Stage 4, or Stage 5 noise levels.
(4) To perform scheduled heavy maintenance or significant modifications on the airplane at a maintenance facility located in the contiguous 48 States;
(5) To deliver the airplane to an operator leasing the airplane from the owner or return the airplane to the lessor;
(6) To prepare, park, or store the airplane in anticipation of any of the activities described in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(5) of this section;
(7) To provide transport of persons and goods in the relief of an emergency situation; or
(8) To divert the airplane to an alternative airport in the 48 contiguous States on account of weather, mechanical, fuel, air traffic control, or other safety reasons while conducting a flight in order to perform any of the activities described in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(7) of this section.
(b) An operator of an affected airplane may apply for a special flight authorization for one of the purposes listed in paragraph (a) of this section by filing an application with the FAA's Office of Environment and Energy. Except for emergency relief authorizations sought under paragraph (a)(7) of this section, applications must be filed at least 30 days in advance of the planned flight. All applications must provide the information necessary for the FAA to determine that the planned flight is within the limits prescribed in the law.
[Docket FAA-2013-0503, 78 FR 39583, July 2, 2013, as amended by Docket FAA-2015-3782, Amdt. 91-349, 82 FR 46132, Oct. 4, 2017]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Which airplanes are affected by the special flight authorization rule in FAR 91.883?
FAR 91.883 applies to jet airplanes weighing 75,000 pounds or less that do not comply with Stage 3 noise levels operating in the contiguous 48 states.
Q2Name a few purposes for which the FAA may grant a special flight authorization under FAR 91.883.
Per FAR 91.883(a), authorizations can be granted for purposes such as scrapping the airplane, modifying it to meet Stage 3/4/5 noise levels, performing heavy maintenance, delivering it to a lessee, or providing emergency relief transport.
Q3How and when must an operator apply for a special flight authorization under FAR 91.883?
FAR 91.883(b) requires the operator to apply to the FAA's Office of Environment and Energy at least 30 days before the planned flight, except for emergency relief flights under paragraph (a)(7).
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Related Sections in Part 91