FAA Designated Agents are the Key to International Aviation
FAA Designated Agents simplify compliance with FAR Part 3 Subpart C by providing trusted representation for international FAA certificate holders, ensuring seamless communication with the FAA.
FAA Designated Agents are the Key to International Aviation
On October 8th of 2024 the FAA published a new regulation that impacts nearly every international certificate holder. Known as FAR Part 3 Subpart C, this regulation requires any FAA certificate holder that does not have a U.S. address to appoint an agent to represent them within the United States. These agents are responsible for handling all communications between the FAA and the certificate holders. With appointment deadlines coming fast, this is leaving many individuals and companies scrambling to find reputable agents to represent them.
As of July 2022, there were about 115,000 individuals worldwide that would be required to comply with this regulation. With compliance dates of April 2nd and July 7th of 2025, there isn’t much time to find and organize agents for all these people. That is where FAA Designated Agencies step in to help.
These agencies sprung to action to alleviate the pressures of finding agents and offer a well packaged solution for international certificate holders. The FAA outlines a list of agent qualifications and requirements, which these agencies have embraced and met. Most FAA Designated Agencies include efficient and thorough onboarding processes, ensuring that customers have a simple and quick way to comply with and maintain this requirement.
When selecting a designated agency to represent an individual or company, there are key points to consider. Agents of international certificate holders act as the United States representative of the certificate. Legally, they hold the same weight as if the FAA was communicating to the certificate holder itself. This outlines the importance of trust and coordination between the agent and the certificate holder. Understanding of the FAA system and knowing how to navigate the regulatory complexities of itis essential to having appropriate representation.
International FAA certificate holders are needing to find agents that offer the proper representation they deserve. More information regarding this regulation and agent requirements can be found in Advisory Circular 3-1. While FAR Part 3 Subpart C adds another challenge to maintaining FAA compliance, working with an FAA Designated Agency makes it as easy as possible.
