The FSDO is located approximately 4 miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. To reach the FSDO, you can take Exit 221 from Interstate 25 (I-25). On Sunport Blvd you will turn left onto University BLVD SE. You will go North for 0.3 miles as University curves and turns into Randolph you will continue North right into the parking lot. 

For all FAA information, from pilots and aircraft to airports and spaceports, we provide procedures and tools to help you apply for, receive, and maintain FAA licenses and certificates.

The NEW Small UAS Rule (Part 107), including all pilot and operating rules, is in effect as of 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 29, 2016. For all UAS questions, please start by reviewing the information provided on the FAA UAS site.

Note: The Albuquerque FSDO is NOT accepting appointments at this time for Remote Pilot Certificates.

• To locate an authorized Remote Pilot Examiner in the Albuquerque FSDO Geographic District, please refer to the Designee Locator website, and search for DPE-RPE.
• The following link may be helpful for Remote Pilot Certification questions.
  Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) - Become a Drone Pilot

For expediency, the Albuquerque Flight Standards District Office recommends contacting an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) for the following services:

1. CFI Renewals based on a Flight Instructor Refresher Courses (FIRC), please refer to a DPE-FIRE. CFI Renewals based on "Duties and Responsibilities" and Activity/ Pass Rate must schedule an appointment with the FSDO. CFI Renewals based on part 121 crewmember status, please refer to the appropriate airline’s FAA Certificate Management Office.
   The following are examples of renewals based on Duties and Responsibilities:
   • Company Check Pilot
   • Company Check Airman
   • Chief Flight Instructor
2. Private Pilot Certificate Based on Foreign Certificate
   An FAA certificate issued on the basis of your foreign license is now referred to a DPE-FPE.
   Verification of Authenticity of a Foreign License/Medical (FAA Letter of Authenticity)
3. Military Competency
   An FAA certificate issued on the basis of Military Competency is now referred to a DPE-MCE.

For these tasks, our office requests that applicants use one of our Administrative Designated Pilot Examiners. Please refer to the Designee Locator to find a DPE-FIRE, DPE-FPE, DPE-RPE or DPE-MCE.

Select DPE in the drop-down menu, then type in United States and New Mexico or Texas to find a DPE in your area (do not type in the city or postal code as this overly minimizes the search). Next, select DPE-FIRE, DPE-FPE, DPE-RPE or DPE-MCE under “Administrative” Authorizations to see a listing of all DPEs that conduct these certifications on behalf of our office.

Part 91 Letter of Authorization (LOA) Application Process and Information

Albuquerque FSDO Part 91 LOA Application Process Checklist (MS Word)

General Reference Information

• All Advisory Circulars (AC), Orders, Notices and Airworthiness Directives can be accessed at Federal Aviation Administration
• FAA Flight Planning Information
• Flight Technologies and Procedures Division Site
  • Flight Operations Group – Satellite Based Navigation (SatNav)

Aircraft Noise Concerns

Thank you for contacting our office. Unfortunately, we are not responsible for addressing aircraft noise concerns. The most efficient way to reach FAA with your noise concern is to submit your complaint through the link listed below, selecting "File a noise complaint or inquiry" and providing the information that is required in the form. This is to ensure that we have all the information required for our specialists to investigate your issue further.

General Noise Concerns or Inquiries to the FAA

The FAA regulates aircraft noise and air traffic by establishing federal certification standards for aircraft noise, emission standards, developing flight procedures, and air traffic management practices. These efforts aim to ensure safety and efficiency of the airspace while minimizing the impacts of aviation noise near residential areas when feasible.

For concerns or inquiries about noise standards, environmental impacts, flight procedures, or air traffic management, you can share them directly with the FAA through the Aircraft Noise Complaint and Inquiry Reporting (ANCIR) Portal.

The ANCIR Portal allows you to:

• Submit detailed feedback or complaints regarding aircraft noise and provides a platform for addressing environmental questions related to FAA-regulated activities.
• Receive information from a subject matter expert to better understand FAA policies on noise management, community engagement, and air traffic operations.
• Complaints submitted to the ANCIR Portal rarely lead to changes in airspace; however, they do provide valuable insights to the FAA and policymakers about areas of noise concern.

Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety risk and violates federal law. Many high-powered lasers can completely incapacitate pilots who are trying to fly safely to their destinations and may be carrying hundreds of passengers. Please refer to laser safety for more details and an informational video on the civil and criminal penalties for pointing a laser at an aircraft.

All Airmen

• PSI Services Knowledge Testing Centers

Designees & Delegations

• Designees & Delegations

• Amateur-Built Aircraft
• Light Sport
  • Light-Sport Aircraft
  • Sport Pilot
• Accident & Incident Data
• Airworthiness Certification
• Field Approvals
• Registration
• Safety Alerts (AD, SAIB, SDR, & More)
• Technical Information (TCDS, TSO, STC, PMA, MMEL)

• Airline Operators
• All Airmen
• Mechanics
• Pilots

• Amateur-Built Aircraft
• Light Sport
  • Light-Sport Aircraft
  • Sport Pilot
• Accident & Incident Data
• Airworthiness Certification
• Field Approvals
• Registration
• Safety Alerts (AD, SAIB, SDR, & More)
• Technical Information (TCDS, TSO, STC, PMA, MMEL)

• Find Designees & Delegations
• Find Field Offices
• FAA Regulations & Policies (FAR, AC & Orders)
• Handbooks & Manuals
• Airmen Practical Test Standards (PTS)
• Reexamination of A&P Certificate Holders from St. George Aviation