Pilots Need Gov Form to Fly US Planes Leased by Foreigners?
Published Date: 10/1/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA is asking for public feedback on a new form pilots must fill out to get special permission to fly U.S. planes leased by non-U.S. citizens. This new process helps the FAA decide who qualifies for this special pilot authorization. Comments are due by November 2, 2026, and the goal is to make sure the form is clear and not too much work for pilots.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
New Standard SPPA Application Form
The FAA will create a standardized Special Purpose Pilot Authorization (SPPA) application under 14 CFR Sec. 61.77 to determine eligibility for foreign pilots to perform pilot duties on U.S. civil aircraft leased by non-U.S. citizens. The form will collect applicant name and mailing address; foreign pilot license details (number, issue/expiration dates, country, category/class/type, instrument rating if appropriate); medical certificate issue/expiration dates; employer information (name, address, phone); and a signed certification. The FAA says the form will standardize collection and add efficiency to the SPPA application and approval process.
Lessee Must Certify Pilot Employment and Training
The application requires a certification by the lessee that (i) the applicant is employed by the lessee, (ii) specifies the aircraft type the applicant will fly, and (iii) states the applicant has received qualifying ground and flight instruction for the assigned duties. This certification must be submitted as part of the eligibility documentation.
Surrender Existing SPPA Before New Issuance
If an applicant already holds a Special Purpose Pilot Authorization, that authorization must be surrendered to the Flight Standards office that issued it or the office processing the new application before a new SPPA will be issued. Applicants must also provide a statement they do not already hold an SPPA if they do not.
Estimated Application Burden and Volume
The FAA estimates about 2,259 SPPA applicants annually, with an average burden of 1 hour per response, totaling 2,259 hours of annual burden. The FAA seeks OMB approval (OMB Control Number 2120-XXXX) for this new information collection.
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