AFPD10-18 — Foreign Governmental Aircraft Use Of United States Air Force Airfields

AFPD10-18 governs the approval and use of Air Force airfields by foreign state aircraft and related diplomatic clearances.

Search AFPD10-18

  • Publication number: AFPD10-18
  • Title: FOREIGN GOVERNMENTAL AIRCRAFT USE OF UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AIRFIELDS
  • Date: 2018-11-08

View AFPD10-18 on armypubs.army.mil


It addresses foreign state aircraft policy, airspace authorization, diplomatic clearance applications, fees, inspections, and use of Air Force airfields. It requires approved clearance procedures and gives AF/A3 responsibility for oversight, centralized processes, and exceptions or waivers.

Topics covered

  • Foreign state aircraft clearances
  • Air Force airfield use
  • Diplomatic Clearance Application System
  • Sovereign airspace authorization
  • Aviation and landing fees
  • Customs and safety inspections
  • Aircraft Landing Authorization Numbers

Questions and answers

What authorization do foreign state aircraft need to navigate U.S. sovereign airspace?

Navigation in the sovereign airspace of the United States by foreign state aircraft is in accordance with 49 USC §40103, Sovereignty and use of airspace, and must be authorized by the Secretary of State. (paragraph 2)

How do foreign state aircraft obtain diplomatic clearance?

Foreign state aircraft that land at or fly above the continental United States, its territories, commonwealths and possessions, are required to obtain aircraft diplomatic clearance using the Department of State’s Diplomatic Clearance Application System. (paragraph 2)

Are diplomatically cleared foreign state aircraft subject to landing and parking fees?

Foreign state aircraft are not subject to landing and parking fees (or other available routine use fees) at United States Air Force Active, Guard or Reserve airfields. (paragraph 2)

Are diplomatically cleared foreign state aircraft subject to inspection by the U.S. Government?

Foreign state aircraft (those which are diplomatically cleared by the Department of State are not subject to search, seizure, and inspection (including customs and safety inspections) or any other exercise of jurisdiction by the United States Government over such foreign state aircraft, or the personnel, equipment, or cargo on board. (paragraph 2)

When may foreign state aircraft operate at Air Force airfields?

With the exception of in-flight emergencies, ensure operation of foreign state aircraft at Air Force airfields is limited to flights in support of official government business. (paragraph 3)

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