The FAA’s rule requiring a U.S. Agent for Service is broad, but understanding precisely how it applies to your specific certificate can be confusing. This article provides a clear, straightforward checklist to help you determine your compliance obligations.

(This article is a detailed segment of our Ultimate Guide to the FAA U.S. Agent for Service Requirement. For a complete overview of the rule, we recommend reading the full guide.

To maintain the safety and integrity of the National Airspace System, the FAA has broad authority to enforce its regulations. Compliance is expected from all certificate holders, regardless of their location. When a certificate holder fails to meet a mandatory requirement, the FAA can and will take action.

Failing to designate and maintain a U.S. Agent for Service can lead directly to FAA enforcement actions against your certificate(s). These actions can include:

1. Suspension: The FAA could temporarily suspend your privileges. This means you would be legally prohibited from exercising the rights of your certificate until the suspension is lifted, which would require you to come into compliance.
2. Revocation: In more serious cases, the FAA could revoke your certificate entirely. A revocation is the most severe action, as it invalidates your certificate, often requiring you to re-apply and re-test for all ratings from scratch after a waiting period.
3. Refusal to Renew or Issue: The FAA may refuse to process applications for new certificates, ratings, or renewals until you are fully compliant with all regulations, including the agent for service rule.

Perhaps the most insidious risk is not receiving official communications. The agent for service rule exists so the FAA has a reliable method of serving you legal documents.

Consider this scenario:

• The FAA initiates an enforcement action and sends a Notice of Proposed Civil Penalty to your last known foreign address.
• Due to international mail delays or a change of address, you never receive it.
• Because you don’t respond, a default judgment is entered against you.
• You may only become aware of the issue when you are notified that your certificate has been suspended or when you are denied entry into the U.S. for an aviation-related activity.

Without an agent, you lose your ability to respond, defend yourself, and exercise your right to due process.

Appointing a U.S. Agent for Service is the definitive solution to avoid these severe consequences. It acts as an insurance policy for your career, guaranteeing that you receive all time-sensitive FAA communications promptly and securely.

A professional service like faausagentforservice.com, operated by the U.S. company Ez Aviation LLC, ensures your compliance is handled reliably and professionally, giving you complete peace of mind.

Don’t leave your certificates vulnerable.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Consult with an aviation law professional for advice on your specific situation. FAA AC 3-1 and 14 CFR Part 3 Subpart C