Definition
A formal written document submitted to the FAA expressing a party's intention to pursue a specific action, such as applying for certification, designating airspace, or establishing a procedure, before the full formal application is filed.
Plain English
A written notice that says, in advance, what someone plans to do — used to start a formal process with the FAA before the full paperwork is submitted.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA acronym lists, aviation business documents, airport project paperwork, training agreements, and other written aviation correspondence.
Derivation
Letter comes from an old word for a written message. Intent comes from Latin meaning to direct one’s attention or aim toward something. Together, letter of intent means a written message that states what someone is aiming or planning to do.
Why Pilots Care
It signals serious interest, allows due diligence to begin, and protects both parties from wasting time before a binding agreement is reached.
Intuition Check
Do not assume an LOI is the same as final approval. It states an intention; the final permission or agreement may still need to be completed.
Example Sentence 1
The flight school submitted a letter of intent to the FAA before beginning the formal Part 141 certification process.
Example Sentence 2
The applicant included an LOI with the FAA package to demonstrate commitment to the Part 135 operation.