Flight Standards District Office
FSDOSection 01: Organizations & Authorities
Definition
An FAA field office within the Flight Standards Service responsible for the operational certification and oversight of air carriers, air agencies, and airmen. FSDOs issue air carrier certificates, repair station certificates, and pilot certificates; conduct ramp inspections; perform surveillance of certificated operators; and process field approvals for alterations. FSDOs interface with operators on operational and maintenance matters.
Practical scope and decisions
A Flight Standards District Office is an FAA field office for operational certification, surveillance, maintenance, airmen, and other Flight Standards matters. The correct office and process depend on the applicant, certificate, activity, and service area.
Who it applies to
- Air carriers and operators
- Repair stations and maintenance stakeholders
- Airmen and certification applicants
- Parties coordinating operational or maintenance matters with Flight Standards
Questions it helps answer
- Which office serves the applicant or activity
- Whether the matter belongs with Flight Standards or Aircraft Certification
- What application or supporting material is required
- How an inspection, approval, or certificate action will be coordinated
This overview supports scoping and research; it is not a substitute for the current regulation, approved data, or authority direction for a specific project.
Primary Sources
The primary source of FSDO policies and procedures.