Operations of civil aircraft of U.S. registry outside of the United States

When you fly a U.S.-registered civil aircraft outside the United States, you must follow a layered set of rules depending on where you are:

Over international waters (high seas): Follow ICAO Annex 2 Rules of the Air plus specific Part 91 sections covering speed restrictions below 10,000 feet, operations at airports with control towers, and Class B through D airspace procedures.

Within a foreign country: Comply with that country's aviation regulations for flight and aircraft maneuvers.

Everywhere outside the U.S.: Continue following most of Part 91 unless it conflicts with the foreign country's rules or ICAO Annex 2. A few specific U.S. regulations (like certain speed limits and equipment requirements) are explicitly exempted.

In RVSM airspace: You must meet the special equipment and authorization requirements of § 91.706.

For ICAO Annex 16 aircraft: Carry noise certification documentation on board.

This regulation essentially means U.S. aircraft don't get a free pass abroad—you're accountable to international standards, local rules, and most U.S. regulations simultaneously.

*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.*