FAR/AIM Updates

The regulations you see when you open our app are always the latest and most current published electronic version of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).

The app doesn't list a specific "version" or "edition" number because updates happen incrementally, based on when you last opened the app. Each time you launch the app, it automatically checks our database to determine if any new electronic regulations have been published since your last update.

It's helpful to understand the steps regulations go through before text becomes available to the general public:

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)

The FAA first publishes a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register, notifying the public about proposed regulatory changes. This step allows public input and comments before the rule is finalized.

FAA Finalizes the Rule

After reviewing public feedback on an NPRM, the FAA formally approves (or "finalizes") the regulation, but at this point, the regulation typically is not yet effective or published. The finalization means the FAA has made a decision and established the final language of the rule, but the rule doesn't become effective until after its official publication in the Federal Register.

OFR/NARA Publication

Once finalized, the Office of the Federal Register (OFR)—part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)—officially publishes the regulation in the Federal Register. The time between FAA finalization and official publication can vary significantly, ranging from days to potentially a year, depending on administrative, legal, or procedural considerations.

It is important to note that while a rule may become legally effective upon (or shortly after) publication in the Federal Register, it may not immediately be available in the official Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), either electronically or in printed form. Initially, the Federal Register may be the only source of the full official text. Thus, there can be a delay before new regulations are accessible through standard electronic or printed resources, including our app.

GPO Role

The Government Publishing Office (GPO) collaborates closely with NARA/OFR to produce official regulatory publications. GPO issues annual printed editions of the regulations each January 1 and maintains electronic versions updated more frequently throughout the year.

Electronic vs. Print Publication

It's important to note that while a rule may become legally effective upon or shortly after its publication in the Federal Register, there can be a delay before the complete regulation text is made available electronically by NARA or GPO. Typically, electronic publication occurs within weeks after FAA finalization; however, in certain cases, NARA and GPO initially publish only a notice or link to the regulation in the Federal Register, with the complete updated regulation text appearing weeks or even months later.

As a result, there may be periods during which a regulation is legally effective but not yet viewable in our app—or indeed in any other electronic or printed FAR/AIM—until the complete electronic text is officially published.

App Updates

Once a regulation is officially published electronically, we receive notification and promptly begin processing the update. This includes converting the official electronic source into an app-compatible format and verifying accuracy. Thus, even if a regulation is electronically published the same day it is finalized, it may take up to a few days before appearing in the app.

In all cases, whenever you open our app, you can be confident you're viewing the latest officially published electronic version of the FARs available. Unlike other apps that bundle updates monthly or quarterly (allowing them to provide users with a specific 'version date' since all users receive the same updates at fixed intervals), our app checks for updates every time it's launched. This ensures you're seeing regulations more current than those offered by monthly or quarterly bundled updates.

Additionally, since printed regulations are updated only once per year (each January 1), using our app always provides access to the most current regulations available electronically.