Special rules for foreign civil aircraft

This regulation sets additional requirements for foreign-registered civil aircraft operating in U.S. airspace.

For VFR flights requiring radio communication, at least one crewmember must be able to communicate in English and be on duty. For IFR operations, the aircraft must have appropriate radio and navigation equipment, the pilot must hold either a U.S. instrument rating or foreign equivalent authorization, and must be thoroughly familiar with U.S. IFR procedures. Again, one English-speaking crewmember must be on duty.

Foreign aircraft flying over U.S. coastal waters must provide flight notification or file a flight plan per ICAO procedures. At or above FL240 within the 50 states and D.C., DME or RNAV equipment is required if VOR navigation is used. If this equipment fails in flight, notify ATC immediately and continue to the next suitable airport for repairs.

Certain ferry, demonstration, test, and delivery flights are exempt from the FL240 equipment requirement if ATC is notified before each takeoff.

*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.*