Special flight authorizations for jet airplanes weighing 75,000 pounds or less

After December 31, 2015, jet airplanes weighing 75,000 pounds or less that don't meet Stage 3 noise standards are generally prohibited from operating in the contiguous United States. However, the FAA can grant special flight authorizations for specific limited purposes.

These authorizations allow flights only for activities like selling or moving the airplane outside the lower 48 states, scrapping it, obtaining noise-reduction modifications, performing heavy maintenance at U.S. facilities, delivering to or returning from lessors, parking or storing the airplane in preparation for these activities, emergency relief operations, or diverting to an alternate airport for safety reasons during an authorized flight.

Operators must apply to the FAA's Office of Environment and Energy at least 30 days before the planned flight (except for emergency relief flights). The application must demonstrate that the flight fits within these permitted purposes. This regulation essentially phases out non-compliant noisy jets while allowing necessary operational flexibility.

*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.*