Regulation Text
(a) The Administrator may issue a certificate of waiver authorizing the operation of aircraft in deviation from any rule listed in this subpart or any rule listed in this subpart as modified by subpart C of part 194 of this chapter if the Administrator finds that the proposed operation can be safely conducted under the terms of that certificate of waiver.
(b) An application for a certificate of waiver under this part is made on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator and may be submitted to any FAA office.
(c) A certificate of waiver is effective as specified in that certificate of waiver.
[Docket 18334, 54 FR 34325, Aug. 18, 1989, as amended by FAA-2023-1275, Amdt. 91-379, 89 FR 92486, Nov. 21, 2024]
The short answer
(14 CFR § 91.903) The Administrator may issue a certificate of waiver letting aircraft operate in deviation from any rule listed in this subpart (or as modified by subpart C of part 194) if the Administrator finds the proposed operation can be safely conducted under the waiver's terms.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What standard must the FAA apply before issuing a certificate of waiver?
The Administrator must find the operation can be safely conducted under the waiver's terms.
“The Administrator may issue a certificate of waiver authorizing the operation of aircraft in deviation from any rule listed in this subpart … if the Administrator finds that the proposed operation can be safely conducted under the terms of that certificate of waiver.” — 14 CFR § 91.903(a)
How do you apply for a waiver and where is it filed?
Apply on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator; it may be submitted to any FAA office.
“An application for a certificate of waiver under this part is made on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator and may be submitted to any FAA office.” — 14 CFR § 91.903(b)
How long is a certificate of waiver effective?
It is effective for the period specified within the certificate itself.
“A certificate of waiver is effective as specified in that certificate of waiver.” — 14 CFR § 91.903(c)
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