Airspace Waivers
General Aviation
Security Advisories | Security Initiatives
Our office of Airspace Waivers manages the process and assists with the review of general aviation aircraft operators who request to enter areas of restricted airspace. For each waiver applicant to support the vetting requirements, last name, first name, social security number, date of birth and place of birth, are collected. For applications for aircraft operating into, out of, within or overflying the United States, the waiver review process includes an evaluation of the aircraft, crew, passengers, and purpose of flight. The office then adjudicates the application and provides a recommendation of approval or denial to the FAA Office of Air Traffic Services.
The responsibility for managing the waiver process is shared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The FAA asserts the safety provisions of the process while TSA manages the security portion of the process. These agencies work together to ensure the security of aircraft conducting operations within restricted areas. These areas are in place to mitigate the threat of an airborne attack against key assests and critical infrastructure on the ground.
