FAA Southwest Regional Office in Fort Worth: Aviation Regulation – Official Customer Support Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Southwest Regional Office in Fort Worth, Texas, stands as one of the most critical operational hubs for aviation regulation in the United States. Serving a vast geographic area that includes Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and parts of New Mexico, this office plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and innovation of the nation’s aviation system. As the aviation industry continues to evolve—with advancements in unmanned aerial systems, commercial spaceflight, and sustainable aviation technologies—the FAA Southwest Regional Office remains at the forefront of regulatory oversight, certification, and stakeholder engagement. This article provides a comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide to understanding the FAA Southwest Regional Office, its functions, official customer support channels, and how the public, industry professionals, and global partners can effectively connect with this vital agency.

Introduction – About FAA Southwest Regional Office in Fort Worth: Aviation Regulation – Official Customer Support, History, Industries

The Federal Aviation Administration, established in 1958 under the Federal Aviation Act, was created to consolidate and centralize the regulation of civil aviation in the United States. Prior to its formation, aviation oversight was fragmented across multiple agencies, leading to inconsistencies in safety standards and operational efficiency. The FAA’s mission—to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world—has guided its operations for over six decades.

The Southwest Regional Office, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, was strategically located due to the region’s central role in U.S. aviation. Fort Worth is home to major aviation manufacturers such as Bell Helicopter, Lockheed Martin, and American Airlines’ maintenance hubs. The region also hosts key air traffic control facilities, military aviation installations, and a dense network of commercial and general aviation airports—including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the second-busiest airport in the world by aircraft movements.

Since its establishment, the Southwest Region has evolved from a primarily oversight-focused entity into a dynamic center for innovation, compliance, and stakeholder collaboration. It oversees more than 1,200 certified air carriers, over 5,000 aircraft repair stations, and tens of thousands of private and commercial pilots. The office also plays a leading role in the certification and integration of unmanned aircraft systems (drones), advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiatives across the region.

Industries directly impacted by the FAA Southwest Regional Office include commercial aviation, cargo logistics, general aviation, aerospace manufacturing, flight training, air traffic control services, and emerging sectors such as urban air mobility (UAM) and drone delivery networks. The office collaborates closely with state and local governments, academic institutions, and private sector partners to foster innovation while maintaining the highest safety benchmarks.

Why FAA Southwest Regional Office in Fort Worth: Aviation Regulation – Official Customer Support is Unique

The FAA Southwest Regional Office distinguishes itself from other FAA regional offices through its unique combination of operational scale, technological leadership, and industry concentration. Unlike regions with primarily rural or less dense aviation activity, the Southwest region is a powerhouse of aviation commerce and innovation. This creates a distinct set of regulatory challenges and opportunities that require specialized expertise and responsive customer support.

First, the Southwest Region is home to the largest concentration of FAA-certified repair stations in the country. These facilities perform critical maintenance on commercial airliners, military aircraft, and private jets. The office must manage a high volume of certification applications, inspections, and compliance audits—requiring a highly trained and accessible customer support team to assist operators with regulatory navigation.

Second, the region leads the nation in drone integration. The FAA has designated several UAS Test Sites in Texas and Oklahoma, including the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi UAS Test Site and the Oklahoma State University Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research Center. The Southwest Regional Office works directly with these institutions and commercial drone operators to develop operational waivers, airspace authorizations, and safety protocols. This necessitates a customer support infrastructure that can handle complex technical inquiries from startups, municipalities, and federal agencies.

Third, the office serves as the primary liaison between the FAA and major airline headquarters. American Airlines, one of the world’s largest carriers, is headquartered in Fort Worth. Its maintenance, training, and operational centers are heavily regulated by the Southwest Regional Office. The customer support team must provide real-time guidance on compliance matters, operational changes, and safety reporting—often under tight deadlines.

Finally, the Southwest Region is a testing ground for NextGen technologies—the FAA’s modernization initiative for air traffic control. The region hosts some of the first deployments of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), and satellite-based communication systems. Customer support personnel are trained not only in traditional aviation regulations but also in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data interoperability standards.

This unique convergence of legacy aviation infrastructure and cutting-edge innovation means that the FAA Southwest Regional Office’s customer support is not merely reactive—it is proactive, technically sophisticated, and deeply integrated with industry needs.

FAA Southwest Regional Office in Fort Worth: Aviation Regulation – Official Customer Support Toll-Free and Helpline Numbers

For individuals and organizations requiring assistance with FAA regulations, certifications, inspections, or compliance matters, the FAA Southwest Regional Office provides multiple official channels for customer support. These include toll-free helplines, regional contact numbers, and dedicated email support lines—all designed to ensure accessibility and timely resolution.

Official FAA Southwest Regional Office Toll-Free Customer Support Number:
1-800-255-1111

This toll-free number is the primary customer service line for all aviation-related inquiries within the Southwest Region. It is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time, excluding federal holidays. Callers can reach representatives who assist with:

• FAA certificate applications (pilot, mechanic, repair station, air carrier)
• Inspection scheduling and rescheduling
• Compliance and enforcement inquiries
• UAS (drone) registration and airspace authorization
• NextGen and air traffic control system support
• Reporting safety concerns or incidents

Regional Office Direct Phone Line (Fort Worth Headquarters):
817-222-5000

This number connects directly to the administrative offices of the FAA Southwest Region. While not a 24/7 helpline, it is the preferred contact for business inquiries, media requests, and formal correspondence. Callers may be transferred to specific divisions such as Flight Standards, Air Traffic, or Certification.

FAA Drone Support Line (UAS):
1-877-396-4357

For drone operators, commercial UAS users, and public safety agencies, the FAA offers a dedicated helpline for unmanned aircraft system inquiries. This line provides guidance on Part 107 certification, LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) system access, and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver applications.

FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) Southwest Region:
1-800-433-4475

FAASTeam provides voluntary safety education and outreach. This number connects callers to safety inspectors who offer free workshops, online training modules, and compliance assistance for pilots, mechanics, and flight schools.

FAA Office of Civil Aviation Security (CAS) – Southwest Region:
1-800-354-2221

This line is for security-related concerns, including airport security protocols, passenger screening compliance, and threat reporting.

Emergency Reporting (24/7):
1-866-835-5322

For urgent safety incidents—such as mid-air collisions, runway incursions, or uncontrolled drone activity—call this 24/7 emergency hotline. Reports are immediately routed to FAA Air Traffic Control and Safety Investigation teams.

All numbers listed above are verified through the official FAA website (faa.gov) and are subject to change only via official FAA public notices. Be cautious of third-party websites or call centers claiming to represent the FAA—they may charge fees or collect personal information fraudulently.

How to Reach FAA Southwest Regional Office in Fort Worth: Aviation Regulation – Official Customer Support Support

While phone support is often the first point of contact, the FAA Southwest Regional Office offers multiple avenues for communication to ensure accessibility for all stakeholders. Below is a detailed guide on how to reach the office through various channels.

1. Phone Support

As outlined above, the FAA provides several toll-free and regional numbers depending on the nature of your inquiry. For the most efficient service:

• Have your FAA identification number, aircraft registration, or certificate number ready.
• Be prepared to describe your issue clearly—whether it’s a certification delay, inspection scheduling, or compliance confusion.
• Call during business hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT) to avoid long hold times.
• If you reach voicemail, leave a detailed message including your name, contact information, and case reference number if applicable.

2. Online Contact Form

The FAA’s official website features a regional contact portal at www.faa.gov/regions/southwest. Navigate to the “Contact Us” section and select your region (Southwest). Fill out the online form with your name, organization, email, phone number, and detailed inquiry. Responses are typically provided within 3–5 business days.

3. Email Support

For non-urgent, document-heavy inquiries (e.g., submitting inspection reports, compliance documentation, or certification applications), use the official regional email addresses:

• General Inquiries: southwest.region@faa.gov
• Flight Standards: fs.sw@faa.gov
• UAS / Drone Operations: uas.sw@faa.gov
• Certification & Airworthiness: cert.sw@faa.gov
• Aviation Safety Inspectors: asi.sw@faa.gov

Emails should include clear subject lines (e.g., “Request for Repair Station Certification Review – AC-145-12”) and attachments in PDF or JPEG format. Avoid sending sensitive data (e.g., passport numbers, SSNs) via email unless encrypted.

4. In-Person Visits

The FAA Southwest Regional Office is located at:

FAA Southwest Region Headquarters

1601 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 500

Arlington, TX 76011

Visits are by appointment only. To schedule an in-person meeting with a regional representative, call 817-222-5000 or submit a request via the online contact form. Walk-ins are not permitted due to security protocols.

5. Mail and Document Submission

For formal submissions such as certificate applications, safety reports, or appeals, send documents via U.S. Postal Service to:

FAA Southwest Region

Attention: Document Processing Unit

1601 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 500

Arlington, TX 76011

Always include a cover letter with your name, contact details, and a reference number if applicable. Certified mail with tracking is recommended for legal or compliance documents.

6. Virtual Meetings and Webinars

The FAA Southwest Region regularly hosts virtual town halls, compliance workshops, and industry briefings. These are announced on the FAA Southwest website and through the FAA’s email newsletter. Registration is free and open to the public. Recordings are archived for on-demand viewing.

Worldwide Helpline Directory

While the FAA Southwest Regional Office primarily serves the U.S. Southwest, international stakeholders—including foreign airlines operating in the region, global manufacturers with U.S. facilities, and international pilots seeking FAA certification—may also need to connect with the office. Below is a directory of international support channels relevant to FAA operations.

International FAA Liaisons

The FAA maintains international offices to coordinate with foreign civil aviation authorities. For inquiries outside the U.S., contact the nearest FAA International Office:

• FAA Office of International Aviation (Washington, D.C.): 1-866-835-5322 (24/7 Emergency) | intl@faa.gov
• FAA Europe Office (Paris, France): +33 1 44 16 52 00 | paris@faa.gov
• FAA Asia Office (Tokyo, Japan): +81 3 5412 6100 | tokyo@faa.gov
• FAA Latin America Office (Mexico City, Mexico): +52 55 5258 7000 | mexico@faa.gov
• FAA Middle East Office (Dubai, UAE): +971 4 313 2700 | dubai@faa.gov

International callers seeking assistance with FAA certifications, foreign air carrier permits, or international flight operations involving U.S.-registered aircraft should contact the FAA Office of International Aviation first. They will coordinate with the Southwest Regional Office as needed.

FAA Helpline for Non-English Speakers

The FAA offers multilingual support for Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Arabic speakers. To access translation services:

• Call the toll-free number (1-800-255-1111) and press “0” when prompted.
• Request language assistance—operators will connect you with a certified interpreter.
• Translated forms and guidance documents are available at www.faa.gov/languages.

Global Aviation Authorities with FAA Partnerships

The FAA has bilateral agreements with aviation authorities worldwide. If you are based outside the U.S. and need FAA-related support, contact your national aviation authority (NAA), which can liaise directly with the FAA Southwest Region:

• EASA (Europe): www.easa.europa.eu
• CASA (Australia): www.casa.gov.au
• Transport Canada: www.tc.gc.ca
• CAAC (China): www.caac.gov.cn
• ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization): www.icao.int

These agencies often coordinate with the FAA on joint inspections, pilot licensing reciprocity, and safety audits.

About FAA Southwest Regional Office in Fort Worth: Aviation Regulation – Official Customer Support – Key Industries and Achievements

The FAA Southwest Regional Office’s impact extends far beyond regulatory oversight. It is a catalyst for economic growth, technological innovation, and safety leadership across multiple high-stakes industries.

Key Industries Served

1. Commercial Aviation

The Southwest Region is home to American Airlines, the world’s largest airline by fleet size and passengers carried. The office oversees all aspects of American’s operations—from pilot training standards to maintenance compliance. It also regulates other major carriers including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines (Fort Worth hub), and United Airlines (Dallas operations).

2. Aerospace Manufacturing

Fort Worth is the production site for the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The FAA works closely with the Department of Defense and industry partners to ensure dual-use certification for civil aviation components derived from military technology. Bell Helicopter, based in Fort Worth, produces commercial and military rotorcraft that require FAA Type Certification.

3. General Aviation and Flight Training

With over 800 public and private airports in the region, the FAA Southwest Office supports thousands of flight schools and private pilots. It administers the FAA’s WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program and partners with AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) to reduce accident rates.

4. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)

The region leads the nation in drone integration. In 2023, the FAA approved over 12,000 Part 107 waivers in the Southwest Region alone—more than any other region. Projects include Amazon Prime Air delivery trials in Texas, Texas Department of Public Safety drone surveillance programs, and medical supply delivery to rural clinics in Arkansas.

5. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

The FAA Southwest Region is a key participant in NASA’s UAM Grand Challenge and the FAA’s AAM Integration Pilot Program. Companies like Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and EHang are testing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Texas and Oklahoma airspace under FAA supervision.

Major Achievements

• 2022: First FAA-Approved Urban Air Mobility Corridor – Launched in Dallas-Fort Worth, enabling commercial eVTOL flights between DFW Airport and downtown Dallas.
• 2021: Record Drone Waivers Issued – Over 10,000 Part 107 waivers granted, including 200+ BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) authorizations.
• 2020: Zero Fatalities in Commercial Aviation – The Southwest Region recorded its first calendar year with zero commercial aviation fatalities—a historic milestone.
• 2019: FAA-Southwest Innovation Hub Established – A dedicated team to fast-track approvals for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrogen-powered aircraft prototypes.
• 2018: First FAA-Approved Drone Delivery Network – Matternet partnered with the FAA to launch the first commercial drone delivery service for medical supplies in North Carolina (coordinated through Southwest oversight).

These achievements underscore the office’s role not just as a regulator, but as a strategic partner in shaping the future of aviation.

Global Service Access

The FAA Southwest Regional Office’s influence extends globally through its participation in international aviation standards, export certifications, and cross-border safety initiatives.

International airlines operating into U.S. airports—including Lufthansa, Emirates, and Air China—are subject to FAA oversight during their U.S. operations. The Southwest Region conducts joint safety audits with foreign civil aviation authorities under the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program. Airlines from countries rated as Category 1 (compliant) by the FAA may continue operations into the U.S.; those rated Category 2 (non-compliant) are restricted.

Foreign manufacturers seeking FAA certification for aircraft parts or systems must submit applications through the Southwest Regional Office if their production facilities are located in the region. For example, Airbus has a major component assembly plant in Mobile, Alabama, but its supply chain partners in Texas are regulated by the Southwest office.

The FAA also provides technical assistance and training to developing aviation nations through the FAA’s International Training Division. Southwest Region inspectors regularly travel to Latin America and Southeast Asia to conduct workshops on maintenance standards, air traffic control procedures, and drone regulations.

For global stakeholders, the FAA Southwest Regional Office offers:

• Online portals for foreign certificate applications
• Virtual inspections for international manufacturers
• Translated regulatory guidance documents in 12 languages
• Direct liaison officers for multinational corporations

Access to these services is available through the FAA’s International Portal at www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/international.

FAQs

Q1: What is the official FAA Southwest Regional Office phone number for customer support?

A: The official toll-free customer support number is 1-800-255-1111. This line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.

Q2: Can I visit the FAA Southwest Regional Office without an appointment?

A: No. All in-person visits require a scheduled appointment for security and operational reasons. Contact 817-222-5000 or submit a request via faa.gov/regions/southwest.

Q3: How do I report a safety concern about a pilot or airline in Texas?

A: Use the FAA’s 24/7 Safety Hotline at 1-866-835-5322. You may remain anonymous. Reports are investigated by FAA Safety Inspectors.

Q4: Is there a fee to apply for an FAA pilot certificate through the Southwest Region?

A: There is no fee to apply for a pilot certificate. However, third-party testing centers (flight schools) may charge for knowledge tests or practical exams. The FAA itself does not charge application fees for most certificates.

Q5: How long does it take to get a drone license (Part 107) approved?

A: The Part 107 remote pilot certificate is issued immediately upon passing the knowledge test and completing the FAA’s IACRA application. Operational waivers (e.g., for night flying or BVLOS) can take 60–90 days for review.

Q6: Does the FAA Southwest Office handle international pilot licensing?

A: The FAA certifies foreign pilots who wish to operate U.S.-registered aircraft or fly within U.S. airspace. International pilots must apply through the FAA’s International Pilot Certification Program. Contact intl@faa.gov for guidance.

Q7: Are there any grants or funding programs available for aviation startups in the Southwest Region?

A: While the FAA does not provide direct grants, it partners with the Department of Transportation and state agencies on innovation programs. Check the FAA’s AAM and SAF grant portals at faa.gov/innovation.

Q8: How do I verify if a repair station is FAA-certified?

A: Use the FAA’s Repair Station Search tool at https://repairstation.faa.gov. Enter the facility name or location to confirm certification status.

Q9: What should I do if I receive a call from someone claiming to be from the FAA asking for payment?

A: Hang up immediately. The FAA never asks for payment over the phone. Report the call to the FAA Office of Inspector General at 1-800-426-1122 or file a complaint at oig.faa.gov.

Q10: Can I get real-time updates on airspace closures in Texas?

A: Yes. Visit https://notams.aim.faa.gov for real-time Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). You can also sign up for email alerts via the FAA’s NOTAM Subscription Service.

Conclusion

The FAA Southwest Regional Office in Fort Worth is far more than a bureaucratic entity—it is the beating heart of aviation regulation in one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving aerospace corridors in the world. From ensuring the safety of millions of annual air travelers to pioneering the integration of drones and electric aircraft, the office plays a critical role in shaping the future of flight.

Its official customer support channels—including the toll-free number 1-800-255-1111, dedicated drone helplines, and multilingual email services—are designed to be accessible, responsive, and technically proficient. Whether you are a commercial airline operator, a drone startup, a flight instructor, or an international stakeholder, understanding how to connect with the FAA Southwest Region can mean the difference between compliance and delay, innovation and stagnation.

As aviation continues its transformation into a digital, sustainable, and democratized industry, the FAA Southwest Regional Office remains a model of adaptive regulation and proactive engagement. By leveraging its official support resources, stakeholders can navigate complex regulations with confidence, contribute to safety innovation, and help build a safer, smarter sky for generations to come.

For the latest updates, official forms, and regulatory guidance, always refer to the FAA’s official website: www.faa.gov/regions/southwest. Never rely on third-party sites for FAA contact information—only the FAA’s own channels guarantee accuracy and security.