Definition
An FAA field office located outside the United States that handles aviation safety oversight, certification, and regulatory matters for U.S.-registered aircraft, operators, and airmen operating internationally.
Plain English
An FAA office based overseas that takes care of FAA business in that part of the world.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA acronym lists, international flying references, and FAA documents that name an office or contact for aviation matters outside the United States.
Why Pilots Care
If you operate, train, or get certificated outside the U.S., the IFO is often the FAA point of contact for paperwork, inspections, and approvals — knowing it exists helps you find the right office.
Intuition Check
“Field office” does not mean an airport or landing field here. It means an FAA office away from the main headquarters that serves a particular area.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot submitted his certificate application through the FAA International Field Office in London.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots may reference IFO guidance when planning flights outside the United States.