Obtaining deviation authority to perform operations under a U.S. military contract

This regulation allows the FAA to grant waivers from normal operating rules to airlines conducting military contract flights. If you hold a Part 121 or 135 certificate and have a military contract, you can request permission to deviate from certain requirements in Parts 117, 119, 121, or 135.

For Air Mobility Command contracts, you must submit your request through AMC, which forwards it to the FAA with recommendations. The FAA will only approve if the Defense Department certifies the operation is essential to national defense and cannot be performed without the waiver, and the FAA determines the deviation isn't based on economic advantage.

If approved, the FAA amends your operations specifications to reflect the authorized deviations. These waivers can be terminated at any time. This provision recognizes that military operations may require flexibility beyond standard commercial aviation rules while maintaining appropriate oversight.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*