How to Read an FAA Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR)
Last updated: April 2026
The FAA issues Special Federal Aviation Regulations (SFARs) to prohibit or restrict US aircraft operations in foreign airspace where armed conflict or other hazards endanger civil aviation. Unlike EASA CZIBs, which are generally advisory, SFARs carry the force of federal regulation under 14 CFR Part 91 and are binding for all US operators. This guide explains how to read and interpret them.
Find active SFARs on the FAA website
Navigate to the FAA website (faa.gov) and search for Special Federal Aviation Regulations under 14 CFR Part 91. Active SFARs are listed with their reference number (e.g., SFAR No. 115), affected region, and effective dates. The FAA also publishes corresponding flight prohibition NOTAMs that reference these SFARs, making them discoverable through standard NOTAM searches.
Identify the prohibited FIR or region
Each SFAR specifies the restricted airspace by FIR code, UIR code, or geographic coordinates. For example, SFARs have been published for FIRs such as Simferopol (UKFV), Dnipro (UKDV), Baghdad (ORBB), and others, according to FAA published regulations. The geographic scope defines exactly where US-connected operations are restricted.
Check which aircraft and operators are affected
SFARs typically apply to three categories: US-registered aircraft (regardless of who operates them), US certificate holders (airlines with FAA operating certificates), and persons exercising the privileges of a US airman certificate (US-licensed pilots). This means all US airlines and US-licensed pilots operating any aircraft are bound. Non-US airlines flying the same routes are not bound by FAA SFARs but follow their own national authority's guidance.
Note altitude restrictions
Some SFARs prohibit all flight operations at all altitudes within the specified airspace. Others restrict operations only below or above a specified flight level (e.g., below FL260). Check the exact altitude parameters in the SFAR text. An SFAR that restricts only below a certain flight level permits overflying at cruise altitude, while a full prohibition means no operations at any altitude.
Review exemptions
SFARs may include exemption provisions that allow specific operations under defined conditions. Exemptions typically require prior FAA approval and are granted for purposes such as humanitarian flights, diplomatic missions, or overflights under specific air traffic control coordination. The exemption process and any approved exemptions are documented in the Federal Register.
Check the expiration date
Each SFAR includes an effective date and an expiration date. The FAA may extend SFARs before they expire by publishing a renewal in the Federal Register. Check whether the SFAR is still in effect for your travel dates and whether any amendments have been published since the original issuance. Expired SFARs no longer carry regulatory force.
This guide is for informational purposes only. SFAR interpretation for operational compliance requires professional aviation legal expertise. Always consult official sources for authoritative information.