ACCEPTING APPOINTMENTS for any of the below listed AIRMAN certification activities.

For any item NOT listed below for airman certification, please visit our Designee Services Tab to contact a Designee.

Change of address and replacement certificates can be done online at Airmen On-Line Services.

• Administrative Changes to FAA Certificates:
  • Place of Birth / Date of Birth Correction
  • Name Change / Correction
  • Nationality / Citizenship Change
• Testing Authorizations for Mechanic Certificates with Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings, Inspection Authorization, Parachute Rigger applicants.
• Senior Parachute Rigger applicants based on Military Competency (Original Issuance)
• Inspection Authorization (Original Issuance and Renewals)
• Repairman (14 CFR Part 65, Experimental Aircraft Builder under 14 CFR Part 65.104, and Repairman for Light Sport Aircraft)
• English Language Limitation Removal
• Gold Seal to Flight Instructor Certificate
• 44709 Re-Examinations
• Medical Flight Tests
• Signal Light Tests

2025 Inspection Authorization (IA) Renewal

Upcoming Inspection Authorization Training Seminars:

Blue Ridge Community College on February 4, 2025 - Event Details

• RIC FSDO ASIs/AST will be on site to answer any questions attendees may have during the event.  Paper applications may be turned in at the event. However, applications will not be reviewed for approval until March.

Virginia Department of Aviation on February 6, 2025 - Event Details

• RIC FSDO ASIs/AST will be on site to answer any questions attendees may have during the event.  Paper applications may be turned in at the event. However, applications will not be reviewed for approval until March.

Inspection Authorization (IA) Renewal Information:

The Richmond FSDO will be conducting this year’s IA renewals by in-person by appointment and mail in.

RENEWAL OPTIONS:

1. IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application): This option is strongly recommended as it will provide the most efficient and timely method for renewal. 
   
   IACRA Home Page
   IACRA Help and Information
   IACRA Inspection Authorization User Guide
   
   The IACRA system will supply a completed IA renewal letter after FAA ASI/AST review. This letter along with your expired IA Certificate (FAA Form 8310-5) is sufficient for performing IA activities until March 2027.
    
2. MAIL (Package must be postmark dated before or by March 31, 2025): 
   
   Send completed IA package to: 
   Richmond Flight Standards District Office 
   ATTN: IA Renewal 
   5707 Huntsman Road, Suite 100
   Richmond, VA 23250
   
   Applications received by mail must include the evidence required to establish the IA holder’s renewal eligibility. The IA is not required to include their IA Certificate (FAA Form 8310-5) with their renewal package. However, if included, the FAA ASI/AST must endorse, date and mail the form back to the IA. If the IA Certificate (FAA Form 8310-5) is not included, then the FAA ASI/AST must mail/email a completed IA renewal letter to the IA after renewal. This letter along with your expired IA Certificate (FAA Form 8310-5) is sufficient for performing IA activities until March 2025. 
   
   DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE RENEW PROCESS: 
   
   1. Two original, completed and signed FAA Form 8610-1 Application for Inspection Authorization. Ensure the forms are dated for March 2025. 
   2. Completed Richmond FSDO IA Renewal Information Form.
   3. Proof of Technical Data.
   4. If you are renewing based on activity, submit your activity sheets or logs (copies only please). 
         a. Four (4) annuals per year or, 
         b. Eight (8) major repairs or alterations per year or, 
         c. Supervised or performed one (1) progressive inspection per year. 
   5. If you are renewing through training activity, submit copies of your training certificates. Acceptable training is eight hours per year of: 
         a. FAA approved IA specific courses or seminars; 
         b. Courses taken on FAASafety.gov AMT Course page; 
         c. Manufacturer’s provided training (certificate with hours of instruction, date, and manufacture’s name required) 

ALL IAs: Ensure you have an account in FAASafety.gov to receive current IA information. To inquire about additional information, contact the Richmond FSDO via email at 7-AEA-RIC-FSDO@faa.gov or (804) 222-7494.

Contact a Richmond FSDO Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) for the following services

Private Pilot Certificate Based on Foreign Certificate: Verification of Authenticity of a Foreign License/Medical Certificate (FAA Letter of Authenticity)

• Military Competency
• Student pilot certificates
• Ground Instructor applications (Basic, Advanced and Instrument)
• Remote Pilot Certificates (See Unmanned Aerial Systems below)
• CFI Renewals: Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) and Wings Program Courses
• Practical Tests requiring Oral and or flight for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot, Flight Instructor, and additional Aircraft Ratings

Note: The Integrated Airmen Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) must be utilized for the above services. A help manual is provided on the IACRA website.

Contact a Richmond FSDO Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR) for the following services

• Special Flight Permits
• Issuance and replacement of Airworthiness Certificates to include Experimental Airworthiness Certificates
• Unmanned Aerial Systems

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

Designee Information

• List of all FAA Designated Pilot Examiners, Designated Mechanic Examiners, and Designated Airworthiness Representatives can be found at the Designee Locator Search.
• Richmond FSDO DPEs
• Richmond FSDO DMEs, DPREs, DARs

Prior to submitting a low-flying aircraft complaint, please review the following information to insure you have all of the necessary required information:

FAA Guide to Low-Flying Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the government agency responsible for aviation safety. We welcome information from citizens that will enable us to take corrective measures against individuals violating Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR). It is FAA policy to investigate citizen complaints of low-flying aircraft operated in violation of the CFR that might endanger persons or property.

Remember that the FAA is a safety organization with legal enforcement responsibilities. We will need facts before we conduct an investigation. To save time, please have this information ready if you witness another low-flying aircraft. Please keep your notes as we may request a written statement. Here is the type of information we must have:

• Identification — Registration number (located on the side of the aircraft usually beginning with "N") and/ or the operators name (especially if the issue is with a drone) is a vital piece of information for the investigation; Aircraft type (make and model if known); Any identifying characteristics such as color, markings, high/low wing, number of engines, military or civilian, etc.;
• Time and Place — Date, Time, and precise location.
• Altitude — An estimate to the best of your knowledge by providing reference to an object or landmark or through public websites
• Provide photo and video of the event if possible. Without this piece of evidence, we are very limited in our investigation.
• Witness statements of the event.
• Police report- this is particularly helpful with issues related to drones if the police were able to identify the operator.

The more detailed information you can provide from the event will greatly help in our investigation. If unable to provide adequate details, we will be limited in our ability to identify the aircraft and potential Federal Aviation Regulation violations.

Helicopter Operations

Helicopter operations may be conducted below the minimum altitudes set for fixed-wing aircraft. The reason: they have unique operating characteristics, the most important of which is their ability to execute pinpoint emergency landings during power-out emergencies. Furthermore, the helicopter's increased use by law enforcement and emergency medical service agencies requires added flexibility.

Agricultural Operations (Crop Duster)

Many times, low fly aircraft complaints are Agricultural Aircraft (crop dusters). Much like helicopters, agricultural aircraft have their own set of regulations. These operations may be conducted below the minimum altitudes set for other fixed-wing aircraft. Due to the proximity to the ground, agricultural operations require flight maneuvers that are more abrupt than may be expected. While we will not rule out an investigation, this is likely normal operating practices.

Normally agricultural operators are hired by the landowner/farmer. You may want to contact the landowner/farmer directly if you prefer to be notified in advance of these operations. These types of operations occur more frequently in the spring and fall. It is not always possible to see what is being dispensed.

UAS/ Drone Operations

Drones / Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are a relatively newer form of aircraft. Drones are allowed to operate in most places below 400 feet which may surprisingly include the airspace around your home. Airspace over houses belongs to the National Airspace System and is available to all aircraft, including drones.

Our office can investigate potential violations to Federal Aviation Regulations as they relate to drones. Please review the Q and A’s at What To Know About Drones | Federal Aviation Administration to help you determine if the operator may have violated any regulations. Immediate threats or concerns for safety must be referred to local or state law enforcement. The Flight Standards District Office in Richmond, VA is not a first responder and cannot assist in these instances. Privacy and trespassing issues can only be handled by local and state law enforcement. 
 

Aviation Noise Ombudsman - The FAA's Aviation Noise Ombudsman serves as a public liaison for issues about aircraft noise questions or complaints.

National Contact information

Federal Aviation Administration,
Aviation Noise Ombudsman, AEE-2
800 Independence Ave. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20591
Email: 9-awa-noiseombudsman@faa.gov

Local Contact information

Federal Aviation Administration,
Aviation Noise Ombudsman
1200 District Avenue
Burlington, MA
Email: 9-ane-noise@faa.gov

• FAA UAS — Everything you need to operate your UAS in the National Airspace System
• Commercial Operator Regulations — 14 C.F.R Part 107 — Small UAS Rule Regulations
• Recreational Hobbyist Laws — 49 U.S.C. §44809 — Exception for limited recreational operations of Unmanned aircraft
• Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) — Automated system for attaining airspace authorizations at LAANC-capable airports. Partners with several smart phone apps (Airmap, Kittyhawk, etc.) to allow operators to attain instantaneous authorization to operate in controlled airspace.
• UAS Facility Maps — Depict the maximum altitudes that a UAS may be operated (with authorization from ATC in controlled airspace) LAANC-capable airports are depicted in green, non LAANC-capable airports are depicted in red
• FAA DroneZone — Register your UAS, attain a waiver from Part 107 regulations, or attain an airspace authorization for non-LAANC capable airspace.

A Special Flight Permit-SFP (commonly referred to as a Ferry Permit) may be issued to any U.S. registered aircraft that may not currently meet applicable Airworthiness Requirements but is capable of safe flight. The SFP will be issued by the FSDO geographically responsible for the area in which the flight is to originate.

Note:

1. A Special Flight Permit is not an authorization to deviate from the requirements of 14 CFR Part 91.
2. Special Flight Permits will be issued by the FSDO/IFO having jurisdiction over the geographical area in which the flight is to originate, this does not apply to 121 or 135 certificate holders.
3. If an AD requires compliance before further flight and does not have a provision for issuance of a Special Flight Permits, the operation of the aircraft to which it applies would not be appropriate, and a Special Flight Permit will not be issued.

The following is not all inclusive (refer to 14 CFR Part 21.197), but lists the most common request for Special Flight Permits.

• Flying the aircraft to a base where repairs, alterations, or maintenance are to be performed, or to a point of storage.
• Flying an aircraft whose annual inspection has expired to a base where an annual inspection can be accomplished.
• Flying an amateur built aircraft whose condition inspection has expired to a base where the condition inspection can be accomplished.
• Delivering or exporting the aircraft.
• Production flight testing of new production aircraft.
• Evacuating aircraft from areas of impending danger.
• Conducting customer demonstration flights in a new production aircraft that have satisfactory completed production flight tests.
• To authorize the operation of an aircraft at a weight in excess of its maximum certificated takeoff weight.

Applications for a Special Flight Permit (Ferry Permit) can be submitted as follows:

• Online via the Airworthiness Certification (AWC) portal
  • AWC – Airworthiness Certification online application overview and quick start guide (PDF) (USE For initial Registration)
  • On-Line Application, AWC Applicant Portal Process Walkthrough (PDF)

The FAA may issue an applicant an airworthiness certificate when:

• Registered owner or operator/agent registers aircraft,
• Applicant submits application to the local FAA servicing office, and
• FAA determines the aircraft is eligible and in a condition for safe operation

Applications for an airworthiness certificate, replacement airworthiness certificate, Aircraft N Number changes, can be submitted as follows:

• Online via the Airworthiness Certification (AWC) portal
  • AWC – Airworthiness Certification online application overview and quick start guide (PDF) (USE For initial Registration)
  • On-Line Application, AWC Applicant Portal Process Walkthrough (PDF)

*Note – All replacements certificates are processed through the AWC portal.

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

Richmond 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

  Authorization	Description	Specific References (Located in the Regulations and Guideline section)
  A056 Data Link CPDLC	Conduct data link communications	AC 90-117 Notice 8900.455 Notice 8900.446 Flight Operations Group Data Communications (DataComm) Site
  A115 LODA	Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) Deviation Authority for Conducting Flight Training in Experimental Category Aircraft (14 CFR §91.319 (h))	e-CFR Site 91.319(h) National Policy 8900.15 Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS) 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 11, § 1 Use of Aircraft Issued Experimental Certificates in Flight Training for Compensation or Hire
  B034 B-RNAV/P-RNAV	Conduct operations within airspace designated as terminal or en route European Area Navigation airspace with specific aircraft	AC 90-96A
  B036 RNP-4 / RNP-10	Conduct Oceanic and Remote Continental Navigation Using Multiple Long- Range Navigation Systems (M-LRNS)
  B039 NAT/MNPS	Conduct operations in North Atlantic High Level Airspace (NAT HLA)	Flight Technologies and Procedures Division information
  B046 RVSM	Conduct operations within RVSM Airspace	14 CFR, Part 91 91.706 91.180 91 Appendix G RVSM AGHME Monitoring Status Results Site RVSM Documentation Site
  C063 RNAV & RNP Terminal Operations	Conduct IFR area navigation (RNAV1) Instrument Departure Procedures (DPs) and Standard Terminal Arrival routes (STARs) published in accordance with 14 CFR Part 97, and/or tailored arrivals (TA)
  D095 MMEL as MEL	Operate aircraft using MMEL as an MEL
  D098 Short Term	Operate specific aircraft in Special Areas of Operation for short term operations	Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS) 8900.1, Volume 4, Chapter 1, Section 5, Safety Assurance System: Special Navigation Areas of Operation
  D195 FAA Approved MEL	Use a Minimum Equipment List for specific aircraft under the provisions of 14 CFR Section 91.213 (a)(2)	Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS) 8900.1, Volume 4, Chapter 4 Section 1. Configuration Deviation List Section 2. MEL Requirements for 14 CFR Parts 91, 137, 142 Operations

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