Policy

Legal Interpretations

• Foreign National Flight Attendants – World Airways (2002)(PDF)
• Pre-Employment – McElroy (2005)(PDF)
• Fabrication as Maintenance – Pratt and Whitney (2006)(PDF)
• Holders of Multiple Certificates – Dworkin (2008)(PDF)
• Flight Release – Jackson (2010)(PDF)
• Refusal and Permanent Disqualification – ARSA (2010)(PDF)
• Subcontractor Fabrication – Piedmont Propulsion System (2012)(PDF)
• Air Tour Operation – Mason (2012)(PDF)
• OST and FAA-Alcohol Test Result Records – Jobe (2012)(PDF)
• Notification During Performing – Kalitta Air (2013)(PDF)
• Notification During Performing – Pasternack (2013)(PDF)
• Long-call Reserve Status – Ameristar Air Cargo (2014)(PDF)
• Pre-Employment – Schaff-DynamicAirways (2014)(PDF)
• Flight Duty Time – Bonner (2015)(PDF)
• Air Tour Operations – Ragland-Double Eagle Aviation (2015)(PDF)
• Part 135 Emergency Maintenance – Gucwa (2016)(PDF)
• Reasonable Suspicion – Reidhead (2016)(PDF)
• Reasonable Cause – Rose Aircraft Services (2016)(PDF)
• Non-Certificated Maintenance Providers – Sirr-Metal Innovations (2016)(PDF)
• Parts Receiving - Filler-ARSA (2017) (PDF)
• Drug and Alcohol Reporting - Hetz - Frigid Air (2024) (PDF)

Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Office

ODA Office Updates

The FAA established the ODA office in 2019, which was required by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 and is part of the FAA's ODA program.

The FAA realigned the ODA office in April 2021 to report directly to the Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety. This reporting structure reflects the FAA's priority to oversee, standardize, and ensure consistency in the ODA office's activities.

In response to the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, Pub. L. 116‐260, Div. V, Section 103, the FAA appointed a panel of experts in January 2023 to review Boeing’s safety management processes and how they relate to Boeing’s safety culture. The Expert Review Panel included individuals from NASA, the FAA, labor unions, air carriers, manufacturers with delegated authority, legal experts, independent engineering experts, and others. The Expert Review Panel published its report on February 26, 2024.

Contact Us

Delegation Program Feedback

or email: 9-AVS-ODA-Office@faa.gov

Informational Links

49 U.S. Code § 44736 ‐ Organization Designation Authorizations
Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (ACSAA)
Designees and Delegations
Designee Management System (DMS)
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
ODA Office Organizational Structure
ODA for Transport Airplanes Expert Review Panel

Air Carrier and General Aviation Safety Assurance Offices

Certification and Evaluation Branches

This office is responsible for providing Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) and Certificate Holding District Offices (CHDO) with staff support, expert technical guidance, and training in the certification process using the Certification Process Document (CPD) for part 121, 125, 135 and 145 applicants, and major changes to an existing certificate holders' Operations Specifications using the Major Change Process Document (MCPD). These branches develop and provide input to air carrier inspector handbooks and serve as the focal point for application of agency guidance regarding certification, certificate management, and surveillance for air carriers.

The branches are also responsible for managing the National Certificate Holder Evaluation Program (CHEP). A National CHEP evaluates part 121 air carriers, part 145 repair stations, and part 135 certificate holders for regulatory compliance on a five-year schedule. The office also provides Post-Accident Assistance Teams to CHDOs.

Stakeholder Feedback Form

General Aviation Safety Assurance 

John Riggs, Branch Manager
Federal Aviation Administration 
13873 Park Center Road
Suite 160 Herndon, VA 20171

Email

Air Carrier Safety Assurance 

David L. Lusk, Branch Manager
Federal Aviation Administration 
1701 Columbia Avenue, Office 465E
College Park, GA 30337

Email

Safety Analysis & Promotion Division

Field Support Program Office

The Field Support Program Office (FSPO) serves as the link between knowledge and practical application for the Flight Standards workforce through outreach, training, and tailored technical assistance to continuously improve system safety.

Field Support provides all Safety Assurance Offices and other specific Flight Standards Offices with technical guidance in a continuing effort to promote the standardized application of Safety Assurance System (SAS) business processes, system safety concepts, and associated automation.

Field Support develops and provides on-site and virtual support in the form of effective and efficient briefings, live interactive webinars, and educational support materials to internal and external stakeholders.  Additionally, Field Support assists in training development and provides formal FAA training to the Flight Standards workforce.

Field Support contacts SAS Users that have submitted information into the SAS Feedback system and incorporates their input into educational products and assists in analyzing the information for the continuous improvement of SAS policy and automation.

Field Support provides assistance for Initial Certification, Certification Services Oversight Process (CSOP), and External Portal through the SAS Certification Helpdesk.  This includes the development of supporting materials, such as Checklists and Q Cards, which are readily available on the SAS Resource Guide (SRG) for internal stakeholders and the External Portal Information Guide for external stakeholders.

Contact:
Suzette Rash, Manager
Federal Aviation Administration
13873 Park Center Road, Suite 160
Herndon, VA 20171

Phone:  703-776-0677

Email

Flight Procedures and Airspace Group

Special Instrument Flight Procedures

Special Procedures information (active and pending) is provided below in two formats: An interactive dashboard and a downloadable spreadsheet. Distribution of procedure documentation is restricted to authorized users in accordance with FAA Order 8260.60. All inquiries from authorized users should be directed to the appropriate responsible office as listed in FAA Order 8260.60.

Dashboard users can select views by Aircraft Type or Service Provider at right. Hover over the icons and map to select from a variety of search, navigation and other options.

• Special Procedures spreadsheet

Archive

For questions or comments regarding this list of Special procedures (both active and pending), contact Flight Procedures and Airspace Group.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B)

Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS–B) is an advanced surveillance technology that combines an aircraft’s positioning source, aircraft avionics, and a ground infrastructure to create an accurate surveillance interface between aircraft and ATC. ADS–B is a performance–based surveillance technology that is more precise than radar and consists of two different services: ADS–B Out and ADS–B In.

ADS-B Out works by broadcasting information about an aircraft's GPS location, altitude, ground speed and other data to ground stations and other aircraft, once per second. ADS-B Out airspace and equipment requirements are contained in 14 CFR § 91.225 and the equipment performance requirements are contained in §91.227. ADS-B In provides operators of properly equipped aircraft with weather and traffic position information delivered directly to the cockpit.

Here you can find links to ADS-B regulations and guidance, as well as detailed information on the airspace and equipment requirements and capabilities.

Note: The FAA does not require an authorization to conduct ADS-B Out operations in the airspace specified in § 91.225 (U.S. airspace). Additionally, there is no authorization required to use ADS-B In for basic traffic situational awareness. However, an authorization is required to conduct the more advanced operations using ADS-B In, such as CDTI Assisted Visual Separation (CAVS), and In-Trail Procedure. You will find information and links to guidance material here.

OpSpec A354 – To conduct ADS-B In-Trail Procedure, the Operator must request and be issued OpSpec A354.

OpSpec A355 – To conduct CDTI Assisted Visual Separation (CAVS) using ADS-B IN, the Operator must request and be issued OpSpec A355. To expedite the process, the A355 Operator Application Checklist (CAVS) should be used.

For more information, please visit NextGen Equip ADS-B.

General Aviation & Commercial Division

Safety Outreach Group

The Safety Outreach Group oversees the National FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam). The FAASTeam is responsible for developing program requirements, technical guidance and policies for use by the FAASTeam Program Managers (FPMs) to support the FAASTeam National Performance Plan (NPP).

The FAASTeam fulfills its mission by managing and supporting the Safety Liaison Team (SLT) Leads and field personnel holding the position of FAASTeam Program Managers (FPMs). The FAASTeam develops and provides national safety promotion initiatives as well as national policy and guidance. Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) utilize assigned FPMs to accomplish the FAASTeam NPP to achieve the FAASTeam safety program goals.

Our mission is to “Lower the Nation’s aviation accident rate by conveying safety principles and practices through training, outreach, and education; while establishing partnerships and encouraging the continual growth of a positive safety culture within the aviation community.”

The FAASTeam advises the AFS-800 Division, and other officials on the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to the FAASTeam Mission. The FAASTeam is responsible for the development of the FAASafety.gov website and programs associated with it and responsible for the FAA Safety Briefing magazine.

FAASTeam Process for Planning to Reduce Accidents

The FAASTeam develops standardized safety interventions primarily for General Aviation (GA), and may also support other safety initiatives such as: NextGen, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Compliance Program, Safety Management System (SMS) and the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC) Safety Enhancements, United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) Safety Enhancements, etc. In addition, there is flexibility built into the program that affords the divisions, offices, and field staff adequate flexibility to innovate locally and respond to localized safety issues through:

• Accident/Incident reports involving airmen from the area
• Hazards identified by FAA Inspectors at local Flight Standards District Offices
• Information from the local aviation community

The FAASTeam is based on a safety risk management approach, using system safety principles, risk prioritization, and new technology concepts. These FAASTeam system safety techniques are used to shift the safety culture towards the reduction of accidents and incidents, to include runway surface incidents.

Phone: (202) 267-1100

UAS Integration Office

The UAS Integration Office (AUS) is responsible for leading FAA's efforts to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). AUS serves as the FAA's focal point for all matters related to civil and public use of drones in U.S. airspace. AUS is organized into four divisions that collaborate to champion drone integration initiatives (i.e., internal/external communication, budget and personnel management, international partnerships, research strategic planning, technical standards, operational pilot programs, and partnerships for safety, etc.) by engaging internal FAA and external stakeholders (i.e., industry, U.S. government agencies, international civil aviation authorities).

The AUS Front Office is the hub that connects the four AUS Divisions and supports outward facing opportunities of the AUS organization. 

The Enterprise Services  Division (AUS-100) is responsible for obtaining and preserving the financial and human capital resources required to accomplish the office mission. The division ensures AUS staff have safe and productive work environments through logistics planning and Continuity of Operations Planning. Additionally, the division executes the strategic planning function for AUS as well as more tactical performance management through internal dashboards and Congressionally mandated milestone tracking.

The International Division (AUS-200) provides targeted leadership to enable the safe and efficient use and integration of UAS globally and sets the strategic direction for UAS international activities. This office helps develop, align, and progress the FAA's global UAS-related activities, including regulatory and policy harmonization, through extensive engagement and outreach with its colleagues and partners – not only across the FAA and broader U.S. Government, but also with its global Civil Aviation Authority and Air Navigation Service Provider counterparts, among others, on a bilateral, regional, and global basis.

The UAS Research, Engineering, & Analysis Division (AUS-300) is responsible for developing the FAA's plans and strategic framework for applied UAS research that is needed to inform FAA's UAS Integration policy, rulemaking and implementation. This office collaborates across the FAA and with other federal, industry, academic, and international partners to identify research gaps, develop research requirements, and provide technical expertise and oversight of projects necessary to support the safe integration of UAS into the NAS.

The Safety and Integration Division (AUS-400) serves as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking information about operational requirements, UAS registration, and potential partnerships. This office collaborates across the FAA and closely with industry to find solutions to operational and technical challenges in order to advance UAS operations and integration efforts. AUS-400 aids standards development, providing engineering support and management for UAS integration projects intended to advance the safe use of UAS technology. AUS-400 also serves as a regulatory and policy liaison, and runs the UAS Support Center that responds to inquiries near-real-time with personalized service to help people fly safely. Additionally, this office manages the presidentially mandated UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP), designed to facilitate complex UAS activities, collect data on societal and community considerations, and inform FAA policy and decision making.

AUS-400 also coordinates enterprise-wide outreach and engagement efforts such as the FAA UAS Symposium, Drone Safety Day, and drone related content on faa.gov. This office helps tell the story of drone integration and innovation as it pertains to both FAA accomplishments and stakeholder impacts.

For more information, contact the UAS Support Center.

General Aviation & Commercial Division

Operations Group

The Operations Group is responsible for policy and regulatory development related to the general aviation (GA) operational aspects of part 91 (except for air traffic and aircraft maintenance rules) as pertaining to amateur-built/recreational/personal operations aircraft, aerobatic practice areas and aviation events (including airshows, balloon events, air races, parachute demonstrations, aerobatic contests, and fly-overs), civil operations of surplus military aircraft, and operations under 14 CFR parts 103 and 105.

Additional policy and regulatory development responsibilities include aerial work and public aircraft operations (PAO), UAS policy and processing under part 107, private and commercial (non-air carrier) flights conducted in piston and turbine aircraft by individuals and companies under parts 91 and 125, fractional ownership program managers under part 91K, helicopter external load operators under part 133, and agricultural aircraft operators under part 137.

The group:

• Ensures the initiation of appropriate corrective actions concerning the FAA's regulations, policies, procedures, standards, and operating practices as a result of reviewing investigations and hearings for applicable GA accidents, incidents, and violations.
• Analyzes applicable NTSB Safety Recommendations and prepares required responses on its findings following an accident investigation.
• Responds to applicable FAA Safety Recommendations from field offices and takes proper action.
• Advises the Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety (AVS), Flight Standards Service, and General Aviation & Commercial Division management on matters pertaining to the National Aviation Event Program and aviation events. In addition to advisement responsibilities, the group is responsible for establishing rules, technical guidance, policies, and approvals on national air show matters, aviation events, and aerobatic practice areas.
• Drafts and reviews applicable chapters of the current edition of Order 8900.1 for parts 91 (except for air traffic and aircraft maintenance rules), 103, and 105.
• Drafts and reviews applicable chapters of Order 8900.1 for operations under part 91, including subpart K, PAO, and parts 107, 125, 133, and 137 (except for air traffic and aircraft maintenance rules).
• Coordinates with Mission Support Services (AJV) within the Air Traffic Control Organization (ATO) as necessary regarding risk mitigation for part 101 operations.
• Liaises with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other agencies on applicable security issues.
• Provides guidance and regulatory support for issues related to vintage aircraft, public aircraft operations, and amateur-built (including light-sport aircraft (LSA)).
• Manages the development of amateur-built aircraft operations policy.
• Maintains continuing liaison with Regulatory Support Division, and industry and FAA segments involved with amateur-built aircraft operational standardization issues.
• Develops policy and regulations for the operations of experimental aircraft, to include former military aircraft and amateur-built aircraft.
• Participates on the Flight Operations Evaluation Board (FOEB) and Flight Standardization Board (FSB).
• Manages the development of light sport operations policy.
• Develops and carries out division policy pertaining to Minimum Equipment Lists (MELs) of part 91 operators.
• Evaluates and participates in development of classroom and flight training for GA Operations Inspectors.
• Develops and carries out rotorcraft policy, including agricultural and external-load operations policy.
• Develops and implements policy concerning aerial work operations, such as banner towing and motion picture operations.
• Develops and implements North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) guidance and policy for FAA field offices.
• Coordinates with other FAA divisions (as applicable) to develop and implement general aviation policy related to NextGen, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), performance-based authorizations, and emerging technologies such as Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) and night vision goggles (NVG).
• Develops and implements policy related to Air Operator Organization Designation Authorizations (AO ODA).
• Maintains continuing liaison with Aircraft Maintenance Division, the Aircraft Certification Service Production and Airworthiness Division, and industry and FAA segments involved with experimental aircraft operational standardization issues.

Programs

• National Aviation Events Program

Regulatory Areas of Responsibility

• Part 91 Operations
• Part 91K Operations
• Part 101 Operations
• Part 103 Operations
• Part 105 Operations
• Part 107 Operations
• Part 125 Operations

Phone: (202) 267-1100

General Aviation & Commercial Division

The General Aviation and Commercial Division is responsible for regulations and policy development governing the training, certification, inspection, and surveillance of General Aviation (GA) airmen, flight instructors, GA air agencies (pilot schools), commercial operations (rotorcraft, external-load, agricultural, banner tow, Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 125 operators, part 91, corporate, business, personal and recreational (aviation events, experimental aircraft, parachute, and ultralight operations), part 91 subpart K fractional ownership (part 91K)), and public aircraft operations.

The division is the focal point for the aviation community at the national level on matters pertaining to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations, including remote pilot certification requirements. The division is also the FAA focal point and co-chair for the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team (USHST, a regional partner of the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST)).

The division is also responsible for safety outreach and the National FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam.) The FAASTeam’s mission is to “Lower the Nation's aviation accident rate by conveying safety principles and practices through training, outreach, and education; while establishing partnerships and encouraging the continual growth of a positive safety culture within the aviation community.”

The division:

• Develops and recommends national policies, standards, systems, procedures, and program plans to include international operation activities.
• Determines the need for, justifies, and formulates new or amended regulations and supplementary regulatory material; participates in regulatory review programs; recommends grants or denials of exemptions; and develops applicable operations specification and other authorizations and waivers available in WebOPSS.
• Advises Flight Standards Service, the Associate Administrator, and other principal officials, and serves as a central point of contact for the public and the aviation community on matters appropriate to the national level.
• Participates in the analysis and evaluation of field execution of programs.
• Determines the need for and recommends research and development (R&D) projects.
• Guides and assists the other divisions and other elements of the agency in the implementation and conduct of related programs, and provides guidance on applying agency policies, standards, and procedures pertaining to safety issues.
• Develops, coordinates, and issues national directives to provide technical guidance on policies and procedures.
• Recommends, initiates, and coordinates regulatory and policy actions to resolve safety problems resulting from accidents, incidents, or other sources.
• Provides direction and support to the Regulatory Support Division regarding General Aviation & Commercial Division's areas of responsibility, as they relate to defining and managing delegation programs, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Provides liaison between FAA and other offices for GA issues regarding airspace rules, air carrier interface, pilot certification, human factors, and other vital topics.
• Facilitates and coordinates concerns of the aviation community to assure GA views are considered in air traffic rules and aviation safety regulatory actions. Works with the GAJSC, IHST, and USHST to develop data-supported risk-based mitigation strategies to reduce the GA accident rate.
• Oversees the environmental responsibilities for all of the Flight Standards Service (AFS).
• Liaises with the Transportation Security Administration, Department of Justice, and other agencies on security issues related to pilot certification.
• Participates and is a member of international panels and groups, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, European Aviation Safety Agency, and Transport Canada.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures related to the FAASTeam and aviation safety outreach.

• General Aviation: The Foundation of America’s Aviation System

Division Groups

• Training & Certification Group
• Operations Group
• Safety Outreach Group

Resources

• 14 CFR Part 141 Pilot Flight/Ground Training Schools (PFGS)
• New York City Special Flight Rules Training
• Office of Safety Standards (AFS) Services and Contacts

Phone: (202) 267-1100