What Happens If the FAA Can’t Reach You?
Let’s break down what really happens when the FAA can’t contact you, and how you can avoid being blindsided by a rule buried in the fine print.
The FAA rarely sends a letter without a reason. And when they do, timing matters. For international FAA certificate holders—whether you’re a pilot based in Germany or an A&P working contracts in Dubai—if your address on file isn’t reachable, you might not even know a critical notice was sent. That silence can become a major risk.
Let’s break down what really happens when the FAA can’t contact you, and how you can avoid being blindsided by a rule buried in the fine print.
The FAA Doesn’t Chase You. They Just Move On.
Most international certificate holders are surprised to learn that service of documents is considered complete once the FAA sends it to the last known address on file.
Not once it’s received. Not once it’s signed for. Just sent.
Per 14 CFR § 3.301 through 3.303, if you have a foreign address on file, you must designate a U.S.-based agent for service. This prevents missed legal communications by maintaining a reliable contact in the United States. Reliable is the key word here, as the FAA considers its contact duties fulfilled if it sends correspondence to the last address it has for your profile. If it’s undeliverable? That’s on you.
No receipt required. No second chances.
If the FAA sends you a suspension notice, an emergency revocation, or even a request for more information—and you never see it—you could lose your certificate without ever knowing a thing.
What Kind of Notices Does the FAA Send International Certificate Holders?
The FAA might send notices about:
- Medical certification issues
- Renewal deadlines
- Certificate action (suspension, revocation, etc.)
- Requests for additional documents or compliance clarification
- Security or safety notices affecting your privileges
Some of these have hard response windows. If you don’t reply in time because the letter never reached you, the default response is often action against your certificate.
Real Risk: Lost Certificate Due to Mailing Delays or Errors
We’ve seen cases where FAA medical letters were mailed to old addresses, and pilots didn't even know they’d been denied until they tried to renew their certificate 6 months later. Mechanics with A&P ratings have missed safety data inquiries, only to find their privileges suspended when bidding on new international contracts.
How Do You Prevent This?
If you live outside the U.S. and hold any FAA certificate under parts 61, 63, 65, 67, or 107, you are now required to have a U.S.-based agent for service on file with the FAA. This is not optional. It’s part of the FAA’s compliance update under FAR Part 3, Subpart C, made effective in late 2024.
Designating an agent ensures that when the FAA needs to reach you, your agent can receive the letter in real time, notify you digitally, and assist with response procedures. It’s peace of mind in a bureaucratic world.
Jet Verge: Built for This
For international A&Ps, pilots, and DPEs, Jet Verge acts as your dedicated U.S. agent—professionally handling FAA mail, storing documents securely, and helping you remain reachable at all times. We track everything, alert you quickly, and keep your certificate from falling through the cracks.
Wrap-Up: The FAA Doesn’t Wait. You Shouldn’t Either.
If the FAA can’t reach you, they assume you got the letter. No questions asked. That’s why it’s critical to make sure your compliance is current and your mailing setup is secure.
Need help checking your current FAA records or agent status?
