Understanding the New FAA U.S. Address Rule

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continuously updates its regulations to enhance safety, compliance, and efficiency in the aviation industry. One of the latest updates, outlined in 14 CFR Part 3 Subpart C and detailed in Advisory Circular (AC) 3-1 (issued October 11, 2024), introduces critical requirements for individuals and entities holding or applying for FAA certificates, ratings, or authorizations with foreign addresses. This article explores these new regulations, their implications, and how aviation professionals can stay compliant to maintain their privileges and operate seamlessly.

What is 14 CFR Part 3 Subpart C?

The FAA's 14 CFR Part 3 Subpart C establishes guidelines for individuals and entities involved in aviation activities who do not have a physical address in the United States. This rule, effective as of October 11, 2024, mandates that such individuals designate a U.S. agent for service to receive FAA documents on their behalf. This applies to those holding or applying for certificates, ratings, or authorizations under various FAA regulations, including:

• Part 47: Aircraft registration

• Part 61: Pilot certification

• Part 63: Flight crewmember certification (other than pilots)

• Part 65: Airmen other than flight crewmembers (e.g., mechanics, repairmen)

• Part 67: Medical certificates

• Part 107: Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS)

The rule aims to streamline communication between the FAA and certificate holders or applicants, ensuring timely delivery of critical documents, such as notices, orders, or other regulatory correspondence. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in serious consequences, including the loss of certificate privileges or denial of applications.

• Who Needs a U.S. Agent? Any individual or entity with a foreign address and no U.S. physical address applying for or holding FAA certificates, ratings, or authorizations.

  • Pilots, Student Pilots, Flight Instructors, Ground Instructors, Flight Engineers, Navigators, Flight Attendants, Mechanics, Air-Traffic Control-Tower Operators, Aircraft Dispatchers and Parachute Riggers
  • First, Second & Third Class Medical Certificate Holders
  • Part 107: Small UAS Remote Pilots
  • Foreign pilots employed by a U.S. AOC (Part 91K, 121, 125, 135, 141 & 142) Holder or FAA recognized Corporate Flight Department.
  • U.S. Citizens with FAA credentials requiring a confidential FAA mailing address who may  agree with any of the following statements:
    • I do not have a home address
    • I do not wish to publicize the address of my personal residence or
    • I am infrequently home to receive and process U.S. mail from the FAA, other Legal Authorities and Corporate Entities.

• How to Designate a U.S. Agent?  The process is simplified with U.S. Aviation Agency - Select your annual plan and complete your registration on the USAviationAgency.com website. You will have immediate access to the dashboard in your secure online portal where you can monitor all your FAA correspondence. USAA handles the entire process from start to finish and will be designated as your official U.S. Registered Agent on the FAA USAS website. A Federal Aviation Administration confirmation will be available on your 'My Account' portal - thats it your all set and you are in compliance with the new FAA US address rule.

• Deadlines and Consequences: Certificate holders have until July 7, 2025 to comply. Failure to designate a U.S. agent may result in:

  • Loss of privileges associated with certificates (e.g., inability to exercise pilot or mechanic privileges).

  • Denial of applications for new certificates, ratings, or authorizations.

AC 3-1 emphasizes that compliance is not optional for those affected. It serves as a roadmap to ensure that aviation professionals and aircraft owners can maintain their certifications and avoid disruptions.

Why These Changes Matter

The FAA introduced these requirements to address challenges in communicating with certificate holders and applicants who reside outside the United States. Without a reliable point of contact in the U.S., the FAA faced delays in delivering time-sensitive documents, which could impact safety, compliance, and enforcement actions. By requiring a U.S. agent, the FAA ensures that:

• Timely Communication: Certificate holders receive critical FAA correspondence promptly.

• Regulatory Compliance: The aviation community remains aligned with FAA standards, enhancing safety and accountability.

• Global Accessibility: International pilots, mechanics, and aircraft owners can continue to operate within the U.S. aviation system without unnecessary barriers.

For pilots, A&P mechanics, aircraft owners, and sUAS operators, these rules are particularly relevant, as they directly affect their ability to maintain active certifications and exercise associated privileges.

The Importance of Acting Now

With the compliance window already underway, now is the time to take action. Delaying could jeopardize your ability to fly, perform maintenance, or operate aircraft in the U.S. National Airspace System. By designating a U.S. Agent promptly, you can ensure uninterrupted access to your FAA privileges and avoid costly setbacks.

At US Aviation Agency, we understand the complexities of FAA regulations and are here to help you navigate these changes. Our team provides expert guidance and resources to keep you compliant and confident in your aviation endeavors.

Get Started Today

Don’t wait until the deadline to secure your U.S. Agent and maintain your FAA certifications. Choose your plan and register with US Aviation Agency to ensure your compliance today. Take the first step toward hassle-free aviation compliance—get started now!

Source: FAA Advisory Circular 3-1, issued October 11, 2024.

The U.S. Certificated Air Carriers Approved List, provided by the Department of Transportation, details approved air carriers for 2024. View the full list below or download it for reference from here.  Need help with FAA U.S. Address compliance? At US Aviation Agency, we simplify FAA regulatory requirements, including U.S. agent designation for individuals operating under Part 121. Explore our annual plans to get started today!

Civil Reserve Air Fleet | CRAF

A unique and significant part of the nation's air mobility resources is the Civil Reserve Air Fleet. Selected aircraft from U.S. airlines, contractually committed to CRAF, augment Department of Defense airlift requirements in emergencies when the need for airlift exceeds the capability of military aircraft.

CRAF was founded upon the Defense Production Act of 1950, which gave POTUS broad authorities for prioritization and allocation of industrial base resources and required national preparedness programs to respond to both domestic emergencies and international threats to national security. Executive Order 13603, National Defense Resources Preparedness, 3 January 2016, establishes the current Defense Production Act (DPA) framework, including Department of Transportation’s delegated authority over civil transportation.

The CRAF has two main segments: international and national. The international segment is further divided into the long-range and short-range sections and the national segment satisfies domestic requirements. Assignment of aircraft to a segment depends on the nature of the requirement and the performance characteristics needed.

The long-range international section consists of passenger and cargo aircraft capable of transoceanic operations. The role of these aircraft is to augment Air Mobility Command's long-range intertheater C-5s and C-17s during periods of increased airlift needs, from minor contingencies to full national defense emergencies.

Medium-sized passenger and cargo aircraft make up the short-range international section supporting near offshore and select intra-theater airlift requirements.

The airlines contractually pledge aircraft to the various segments of CRAF, ready for activation when needed. CRAF carriers can provide surge capacity through volunteerism; and DOD only considers CRAF activation when volunteerism cannot close the gap between organic capacity and requirements.

Three stages of incremental activation ensure augmentation is suitable for the contingency at hand. Stage I is for minor regional crises and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HADR) efforts, Stage II would be used for major theater war and Stage III for periods of national mobilization.

The commander, U.S. Transportation Command, with approval of the Secretary of Defense, is the activation authority for all three stages of CRAF. During a crisis, if AMC has a need for additional aircraft, it would request the commander of USTRANSCOM to take steps to activate the appropriate CRAF stage.

Each stage of the CRAF activation is only used to the extent necessary to provide the amount of civil augmentation airlift needed by DOD. When the carrier is notified of CRAF activation, the carrier must have aircraft and qualified aircrews ready to support within 24 to 72 hours of tasking assignment, depending on which CRAF stage is activated. The air carriers continue to operate and maintain the aircraft in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations. In the event of DOD activation, carriers retain operational control of their assets as well as their civil status and first right of refusal based on operational risk.

Safety is of paramount concern, and numerous procedures are in effect to ensure contracted air carriers afford the highest level of safety to DoD passengers. Prior to receiving a contract, all carriers must demonstrate they have provided substantially equivalent and comparable commercial service for one year before submitting their offer to fly for the Defense Department. All carriers must be fully certified Federal Aviation Administration carriers and meet the stringent standards of FAA regulations pertaining to commercial airlines (FAR Part 121).

A DoD survey team, composed of experienced pilots and skilled maintenance personnel, performs an on-site inspection of the carriers. This team conducts a comprehensive inspection that includes the carrier's aircraft, training facilities, crew qualifications, maintenance procedures and quality control practices. After passing this survey, the Commercial Airlift Review Board approves the carrier to provide charter airlift services before receiving a contract.

The DoD Commercial Airlift Division continues to monitor the carrier's safety record, operations and maintenance status, contract performance, financial condition and management initiatives, summarizing significant trends in a comprehensive review every six months. In addition to this in-depth review, there are several other surveillance initiatives. These include safety preflight inspections of commercial aircraft by DoD designated inspectors and periodic cockpit observations on operational flights by highly experienced pilots from AMC's DoD Commercial Airlift Division. This division maintains close coordination with the FAA for the flow of information on all DoD approved carriers.

To view the current air carriers who are members of CRAF (subject to change monthly) follow this link: CRAF List.

Need help with FAA U.S. Address compliance? At US Aviation Agency, we simplify FAA regulatory requirements, including U.S. agent designation for individuals employed by a CRAF operator. Explore our annual plans to get started today!

The FAA Part 135 Operators and Aircraft list provides detailed information on certificate holders, aircraft registration numbers, and aircraft makes/models operating under Title 14 CFR Part 135. This spreadsheet, updated periodically by the FAA, is essential for aviation professionals, including pilots, operators, and compliance officers, to verify operator credentials and aircraft details.

To access the most current version, download the spreadsheet directly from the FAA’s official website: FAA Part 135 Operators and Aircraft List. The file includes data such as certificate holder names, certificate designators, FAA district offices, and aircraft specifics.

Why it matters: Staying informed about Part 135 operators ensures compliance with FAA regulations, especially for those with foreign addresses who must designate a U.S. agent under 14 CFR Part 3 Subpart C.

Need help with FAA U.S. Address compliance? At US Aviation Agency, we simplify FAA regulatory requirements, including U.S. agent designation for individuals operating under Part 135 who need a U.S. Address for FAA correspondence. Explore our annual plans to get started today!

Discover the top 20 U.S. universities and technical schools leading in aviation education, from aerospace engineering to professional pilot training and aviation management. These institutions offer ABET-accredited programs, FAA-certified flight training, and cutting-edge unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) degrees, preparing students for careers as pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals. At US Aviation Agency, we support FAA credential holders from these prestigious schools, ensuring compliance with the FAA’s U.S. Agent for Service (USAS) rule through our certified address services. Whether you’re a student, alumnus, or international professional, explore this curated list to find top programs and learn how we can help you stay FAA-compliant. Visit our FAQ or contact [email protected] for more details.

1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach (Daytona Beach, FL)

Programs: BS, MS, PhD in Aerospace Engineering (ABET-accredited), Aeronautical Science (Professional Pilot), Aviation Maintenance, Aviation Business Administration, UAS. Why Top: Known as the “Harvard of Aviation,” it’s the world’s largest aviation university with 90+ aircraft, advanced simulators, and 1,500+ aviation students. Top-ranked for aerospace engineering (U.S. News) and pilot training (Niche). Visit Aviation Programs FAA Compliance Support: Produces FAA credential holders who rely on USAA’s USAS-compliant address services, providing an address in the US for the FAA.

2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott (Prescott, AZ)

Programs: BS in Aerospace Engineering (ABET-accredited), Aeronautical Science, Aviation Business Administration, UAS. Why Top: Sister campus to Daytona Beach with FAA-certified flight training and a strong West Coast presence. Ranked highly for aviation (Niche). Visit Aviation Programs FAA Compliance Support: Pilots, mechanics, flight attendants and engineers abroad use USAA as their U.S. Agent for Service for FAA document forwarding and real-time notifications. US Aviation Agency provides a foreign pilot address in US to be FAA compliant with the new rule 14 CFR Part 3, Subpart C.

3. Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)

Programs: BS, MS, PhD in Aerospace Engineering (ABET-accredited), BS in Aviation Technology, Professional Flight, Aviation Management.

Why Top: Known as the “Cradle of Astronauts” (alumni include Neil Armstrong). Top 5 aerospace engineering program (U.S. News) with Zucrow Labs for propulsion research.

Visit Aviation Programs USAA Relevance: Pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, dispatchers and drone pilots all benefit from USAA’s United States Agent for Service (USAS) FAA compliant services - providing foreign license holders with a certified address in the US.

4. University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND)

Programs: BS in Aviation Technology, Commercial Aviation (Professional Pilot), UAS; MS in Aviation.

Why Top: One of the largest aviation programs with 120+ aircraft and simulators. Leader in UAS training, top-ranked (Niche, CollegeFactual).

Visit Aviation Programs USAA Relevance: Pilots and UAS drone operators abroad rely on USAA for the compliance with the new FAA US address rule.

5. Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, MI)

Programs: BS in Aviation Flight Science, Aviation Maintenance, Aviation Management.

Why Top: Large aviation program with 1,000+ students, 50+ aircraft, and FAA-certified Part 141 flight school. Top 5 aviation program (Niche).

Visit Aviation Programs USAA Relevance: International Pilots and mechanics globally use USAA for FAA address in the US compliance.

6. Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)

Programs: BS, MS, PhD in Aerospace Engineering (ABET-accredited), BS in Aviation.

Why Top: Top-ranked aerospace engineering program (U.S. News). Operates flight training at OSU Airport, with research in supersonic aircraft.

Visit Aviation Programs US Aviation Agency address in the US: Pilots, mechanics and engineers abroad trust USAA’s FAA Agent services for secure document handling, real-time notifications and accessible dashboard on the US Aviation Agency website My Account portal.

7. Florida Institute of Technology (Melbourne, FL)

Programs: BS, MS in Aeronautical Science, Aerospace Engineering (ABET-accredited), Aviation Management.

Why Top: Top university-based aviation program (Niche) with FAA-certified flight training at Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

Visit Aviation Programs USAA Relevance: Foreign pilots, foreign mechanics, foreign flight attendants and foreign engineers benefit from US Aviation Agency's confidential FAA US address services handling the entire United States Agent for Service process via USAS.gov from start to finish.

8. Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro, TN)

Programs: BS in Aerospace (Professional Pilot, Aviation Management, Maintenance, UAS).

Why Top: Largest aviation program in the Southeast with 900+ students, 40+ aircraft, and FAA-certified flight training (Niche).

Visit Aviation Programs FAA Compliance Support: US Aviation Agency provides a certified address in the US for foreign license holders (pilots, flight attendants, drone pilots, dispatchers, mechanics, flight engineers) helping aviation professionals stay compliant with the new rule 14 CFR Part 3, Subpart C.

9. Kansas State University – Polytechnic Campus (Salina, KS)

Programs: BS in Professional Pilot, Aviation Maintenance, UAS, Airport Management.

Why Top: Pioneered UAS degree programs. FAA-certified flight training with strong regional pilot demand (EAA).

Visit Aviation Programs USAA Relevance: Part 107 Small UAS drone pilots and aviation mechanics benefit from USAA’s US Agent for Service address in the US.

10. Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA)

Programs: BS in Aeronautics (Professional Pilot), Aviation Maintenance, Aviation Administration.

Why Top: Largest faith-based aviation program with 600+ students, 30+ aircraft, and FAA-certified training (Niche).

Visit Aviation Programs FAA Address Rule compliance: Foreign Pilots and US Pilots abroad rely on USAA for secure FAA document handling keeping them compliant with 14 CFR Part 3, Subpart C.  US Aviation Agency an Official FAA Agent for Service.

11. California Aeronautical University (Bakersfield, CA)

Programs: BS in Aeronautics, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Professional Pilot, Aviation Management.

Why Top: FAA-certified Part 141 flight school, recognized for online and on-campus training (Bold.org, 2025).

Visit Aviation Programs US Aviation Agency, trusted for FAA Address compliance: Foreign pilot address in the us with secure document handling.  US Aviation Agency is a certified FAA Agent for Service. Also for Aviation Maintenance professionals (aviation mechanics) needing to comply with FAA 14 CFR Part 3, Subpart C.

12. Saint Louis University (St. Louis, MO)

Programs: BS in Aeronautics (Professional Pilot, Aviation Management).

Why Top: FAA-certified flight training through Parks College, focusing on pilot and aviation leadership careers.

Visit Aviation Programs USAA Relevance: Professional foreign pilots who need to comply with the FAA address rule benefit from US Aviation Agency’s FAA document forwarding.

13. Delaware State University (Dover, DE)

Programs: BS in Aviation (Professional Pilot, Aviation Management).

Why Top: Historically Black university with FAA-certified flight training, recognized for diversity (EAA).

Visit Aviation Programs USAA Relevance: Foreign pilots trust US Aviation Agency's US Agent for Service (USAS) FAA mail and document handling to provide secure and timely notification. Designate your FAA Agent today and stay compliant.

14. Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK)

Programs: BS, MS in Aerospace Engineering (ABET-accredited), BS in Aviation.

Why Top: FAA-certified flight training with research in UAS and aircraft design.

Visit Aviation Programs USAA Relevance: Foreign Pilots and aerospace engineers benefit from US Aviation Agency's FAA USAS compliance support. USAA provides secure digitized document handling, real-time notifications and an online My Account portal to access 24/7/365. 

15. Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY)

Programs: BS in Aviation (Professional Pilot, Aviation Management).

Why Top: FAA-certified Part 141 flight school with a growing aviation program, focusing on pilot and airport management careers.

Visit Aviation Programs USAA Relevance: International pilots have opted to designate US Aviation Agency as their FAA US Agent for USAS compliance with 14 CFR Part 3, Subpart C.  US Aviation Agency is a trusted aviation document handling service provider based in the United States.

16. Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ)

Programs: BS, MS, PhD in Aerospace Engineering (ABET-accredited), BS in Aviation Management, Professional Flight.

Why Top: Major aviation hub with 90+ aircraft, strong ties with NASA and Boeing (UniversityLiving).

Visit Aviation Programs USAA Relevance: Foreign pilots, foreign aerospace engineers and foreign aviation professionals all need to comply with the new FAA address rule 14 CFR Part 3, Subpart C and designate an Agent for Service. US Aviation Agency is a trusted partner for pilots, mechanics, flight attendants and drone pilots for a US address and mail forwarding.

17. Auburn University (Auburn, AL)

Programs: BS, MS, PhD in Aerospace Engineering (ABET-accredited).

Why Top: Focuses on aerodynamics and propulsion, with ties to NASA and Lockheed Martin (U.S. News).

Visit Aviation Programs USAA Relevance: Aerospace engineers and pilots are benefiting from designating US Aviation Agency as their United States Agent for Service.  They are receiving secure document handling and can access their digitized FAA mail and documents via the US Aviation Agency My Account portal anytime 24/7/365.

18. California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA)

Programs: BS, MS in Aerospace Engineering (ABET-accredited).

Why Top: Hands-on labs for aircraft design, with partnerships with Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

Visit Aviation Programs USAA Relevance: Aerospace engineers and foreign pilots who need an address in the us are designating US Aviation Agency as their USAS for FAA document forwarding.

19. Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA)

Programs: BS, MS, PhD in Aerospace Engineering (ABET-accredited).

Why Top: Top 2 graduate program (U.S. News, 2016), with a Mentors in Residence program (CollegeFactual).

Visit Aviation Programs USAA Relevance: Global flight engineers and aviation mechanics who need an address in the US to comply with FAA 14 CFR Part 3, Subpart C are designating US Aviation Agency a trusted partner for FAA mail and document handling.

20. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI)

Programs: BS, MS, PhD in Aerospace Engineering (ABET-accredited).

Why Top: Top 4 graduate program (U.S. News, 2016), with research in flight dynamics and autonomous systems (StudyUSA).

USAA Relevance: Engineers and pilots abroad use USAA for FAA documents. Visit Aviation Programs

Need help with FAA U.S. Address compliance?

At US Aviation Agency we simplify the U.S. agent designation for individuals holding FAA certificates, ratings and authorizations or FAA aircraft registrations. Explore our annual plans to get started today!