If you hold an FAA certificate but live outside the United States, a new FAA rule means you must designate a U.S. Agent for Service. Here’s what it means — and how PilotInbox makes it
Understanding the New FAA Requirement.
In 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduced a new requirement under Advisory Circular (AC) 3-1. This rule mandates that all pilots with an FAA certificate and a foreign mailing address must designate a U.S. Agent for Service. In simple terms, if your permanent address is not in the United States, the FAA needs a U.S. -based representative (an “Agent for Service”) to receive official mail and legal correspondence on your behalf.
This applies to:
- Private, Commercial, and Airline Transport Pilots
- Flight Instructors
- Mechanic or Dispatcher Certificate Holders
- Any individual applying for an FAA medical certificate with a foreign address
Why the FAA Created This Requirement
For decades, the FAA relied on physical mail to communicate with certificate holders. But when pilots moved overseas, mail often went undelivered or delayed — especially for:
✅ Includes everything in the Basic Plan, plus:
- Safety compliance updates
- Certificate or medical renewals
- Notices of investigation or enforcement
- Regulatory correspondence
The new U.S. Agent for Service system ensures the FAA can reach every pilot quickly, securely, and verifiably — no matter where in the world they’re based.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a U.S. Agent for Service
If you fail to designate a U.S. Agent, your FAA record is considered incomplete and
non-compliant.
That means:
- You may miss critical FAA correspondence.
- The FAA may consider you unreachable for legal or administrative matters.
- Your certificate could be at risk of suspension or invalidation in serious cases.
This isn’t about bureaucracy — it’s about maintaining your rights and keeping your FAA
privileges intact.
How PilotInbox Simplifies the Process
PilotInbox was created by aviation professionals who understand how time-consuming compliance can be.
Here’s how it works:
- Designate PilotInbox as your official U.S. Agent for Service: Simply register online and authorize PilotInbox to represent you.
- FAA sends all correspondence directly to us: Your FAA mail arrives at our secure U.S. address, fully compliant with FAA regulations.
- We scan and forward everything to you digitally: Within hours, you receive an electronic copy in your inbox — fast, organized, and secure. No lost mail. No delays. No stress.
Who Uses PilotInbox
PilotInbox is trusted by:
- ✅ Full FAA Compliance – Meets all requirements under AC 3-1
- ✅ Secure & Confidential – Your documents are scanned and delivered through encrypted systems
- ✅ Fast & Reliable – You’ll never wait for physical mail again
- ✅ Peace of Mind – Focus on flying, not paperwork
How to Get Started
Getting compliant takes less than 5 minutes:
- Visit PilotInbox.com
- Select your plan and complete registration
- Receive confirmation of your new U.S. Agent for Service
That’s it — you’re now fully compliant and connected with the FAA.
Closing Paragraph
The FAA’s new Agent for Service requirement doesn’t have to be complicated. With PilotInbox, you can stay compliant, stay connected, and stay focused on what you do best — flying safely and confidently anywhere in the world.
