For additional questions, please call (408) 795-4000 or email.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Foreign Certificate Conversions

To convert a foreign certificate to an FAA Private Pilot certificate, follow this 3-step process:

1. Apply online for official license and medical verification (typically 45-90 days)
2. Apply online for your pilot’s certificate (no additional waiting period)
3. Once you have your verification letter from the FAA, please call 408-795-400 or email to schedule an in-person appointment (typically 4-6 weeks from current date)

NOTE: For appointments on a specific date or date range, please contact us 6-8 weeks in advance.

Find a Designated Examiner

• Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs)
  Find a Local DPE (PDF)
• Aero Medical Examiners (AMEs)
  Find a Local AME (PDF)
• Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DARs) & Designated Mechanic Examiners (DMEs)
  Find a Local DAR or DME (PDF)

Note: Use the FAA Designee Locator tool for geographically broader and more specialized searches.

How to Get a Ferry Permit

A “ferry permit” is the common term for a Special Flight Permit for the purpose of a ferry flight for repairs, alterations, maintenance, or storage.

• Access the Airworthiness Certification (AWC) Applicant Portal
• Login or sign up as a new user
• Under CREATE APPLICATION, select Special Flight Permit
• Please allow 10-15 business days to receive your permit by email

Reporting Nuisance Aircraft

Low Flying Aircraft

The National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA, is divided into 6 classes ranging from ground surface to 60,000 feet up. 4 of these classes are controlled airspace, requiring pilots to be in direct contact with air traffic controllers (ATC). In the San Jose Flight Standards District, most airspace below 18,000 feet is uncontrolled airspace meaning pilots are not required to be in contact with ATC and are free to fly within certain rules. For more information, see 14 CFR Part 71.

Airplanes

14 CFR Part 91 § 91.119 (a)(b)(c) allows aircraft to operate anywhere if, in the event of a power failure, they can make an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface. In some areas, pilots are required to fly 1000 feet above ground level. In others, it’s legal to fly at or below 500 feet but not less than 500 feet over people, vehicles, vessels, or structures. 

Drones

Most airspace below 18,000 feet in the San Jose Flight Standards District is uncontrolled airspace and legal for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, or drones) with requirements to maintain separation from manned aircraft. Drones may not be operated directly over a human being who is not directly participating in the operation of the UAS. 14 CFR Part 107 regulates the operation of drones in the National Airspace System.

There are published guidelines for UAS best practices which are recommendations for “neighborly” drone use. These are not enforceable regulations.
Local ordinances may further restrict drone operations with local authorities responsible for enforcement. 

Helicopters

14 CFR 91 § 91.119(d)(1) allow for helicopters to be operated at less than the minimum prescribed altitudes, provided each person operating the helicopter complies with any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the FAA (typically air traffic control in these types of cases). 

Helicopter operations may be conducted below the minimum altitudes set for fixed-wing aircraft because they have unique operating characteristics which allows them to execute pinpoint emergency landings during engine-out events. 

The increased use of helicopters by law enforcement, emergency medical service agencies, utility power companies, and fire management organizations require added flexibility.

Noise

Noise as an element of aircraft design is regulated by the FAA. However, once certified, noise of an aircraft’s operation is not regulated. 

Airports in our district establish operating procedures to reduce noise, and each airport handles its own enforcement procedures. Variable weather conditions affect which noise abatement procedures are in effect at a specific time.

Reporting

If you observe what you believe to be unsafe aircraft operations, please submit a report by emailing 7-AWP-SJC-FSDO@faa.gov. Please include:

• Your name and email or phone number
• Time, date, and location of incident
• Description, including aircraft, unsafe operation, altitude, current conditions, or other known information 
• Photos or other evidence if available
   

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