REGULATIONS DIVISION  (AGC-200)

                                                                                                                     The Regulations Division (AGC-200) provides legal counsel regarding the drafting, form and legality of regulations, orders, exemptions, airspace actions, obstruction evaluation determinations, and space transportation licenses.  In addition, it interprets the FAA's aviation and space regulations; develops and recommends agency policy and standards relating to legal aspects of the agency regulatory program; acts as liaison with the Office of the Secretary of Transportation on the legal aspects of the agency's regulatory program; and provides legal counsel for the Slot Management System.  

Air Worthiness Law Branch, AGC-210

The Airworthiness Law Branch has the primary responsibility for legal issues in the area of aircraft manufacture, certification, maintenance and alteration.  The branch provides formal legal interpretations of Federal Aviation Regulations in these areas.  These interpretations are primarily provided to agency personnel, but as time allows, interpretations may be provided to the public.  The branch drafts and reviews new or modified regulations, applications for exemption from regulations, as well as memoranda, advisory circulars and orders.  Within the FAA, the branch works closely with the Aircraft Certification Service, the Flight Standards Service, and the Office of Rulemaking.

Generally speaking, airworthiness rules establish the design and manufacturing standards aircraft manufacturers must meet.  These standards also apply to those who wish to modify aircraft after they have been delivered by the original manufacturer and to repairs made to aircraft.  Airworthiness rules apply to domestic manufacturers, and to aircraft that are produced by non-US sources if they are issued a US-type certificate, or are operated by US air carriers.

Operations and Air Traffic Law Branch, AGC-220

The Operations and Air Traffic Law Branch serves as legal advisor to agency personnel on matters involving safety rules governing certification and operations of air carriers and commercial operators and all operating rules governing general aviation operations.

The branch is also responsible for the legal adequacy of FAA regulations, policies and issues concerning airspace, air traffic, obstruction and airport airspace evaluation, navigation facilities, and the agency communications system.  In addition, the branch has responsibility for litigation on related matters.

Certification Law Branch, AGC-240

The Certification Law Branch provides counsel regarding legal issues surrounding the certification of airports, pilots, mechanics, repairmen and other individuals.  The branch also provides legal support for the Assistant Administrator for Civil Aviation Security.  The branch supports the development and implementation of user fees.

Advanced Aircraft and Space Transportation Law Branch, AGC-250

The Advance Aircraft and Space Transportation Law Branch provides legal counsel for issues regarding the regulation of advanced aircraft such as remotely operated aircraft and other aircraft reflecting the latest technological concepts.  The branch also provides legal counsel regarding the licensing and regulation of commercial space launch and reentry.  The FAA regulates and licenses the launch of launch vehicles, the reentry of reentry vehicles and the operation of launch and reentry sites.

The branch provides legal counsel regarding regulatory, legislative, international outer space treaty, enforcement and licensing issues regarding commercial space transportation.  The branch drafts and reviews new or modified regulations, evaluations of applications for licenses, license orders, waiver requests, memoranda, advisory circulars and orders.  Within the FAA, the branch works closely with the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation and the Associate Administrator for Regulation and Certification.

AGC-200 Contact Information:

Telephone: (202) 267-3073

FAX: (202) 267-7257

AGC-200 Personnel:

Helpful Links:

Office of Rulemaking

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation