FAA Airport Compliance Manual - Order 5190.6C – Airports
February 2026
Order 5190.6C sets forth policies and procedures for the FAA Airport Compliance Program. It provides basic guidance for FAA personnel in interpreting and administering the various continuing commitments airport owners make to the United States as a condition for the grant of federal funds or the conveyance of federal property for airport purposes. The Order discusses the obligations set forth in the standard airport sponsor assurances, addresses the application of the assurances in the operation of public-use airports, and facilitates interpretation of the assurances by FAA personnel.
Order 5190.6C cancels and replaces 5190.6B. Version C incorporates Changes 1 through 3 to 5190.6B discussed below and updates the following chapters:
- Chapter 6, Rights and Powers and Good Title
- Chapter 7, Airport Operations and Maintenance
- Chapter 8, Exclusive Rights
- Chapter 12, Review of Aeronautical Lease Agreements
- Chapter 13, Airport Noise and Access Restrictions
- Chapter 14, Restrictions Based on Safety and Efficiency Procedures and Organization
- Chapter 15, Permitted and Prohibited Uses of Airport Revenue
- Chapter 20, Compatible Land Use
- Chapter 21, Land Use Compliance Inspection
- Chapter 22, Land Use Changes and Releases of Federally Acquired and Federally Conveyed Land
- Appendix G, Explanation of Terms
These updates address the following:
- Public comments offered on the 2009 update.
- FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
- Updated statutory and regulatory citation references.
- Policy changes adopted by the agency since 2009 to remain current with Federal statutes.
The Airport Compliance Manual sets forth policies and procedures for the FAA Airport Compliance Program. It provides basic guidance for FAA personnel in interpreting and administering the various continuing commitments airport owners make to the United States as a condition for the grant of federal funds or the conveyance of federal property for airport purposes. The Order discusses the obligations set forth in the standard airport sponsor assurances, addresses the application of the assurances in the operation of public-use airports, and facilitates interpretation of the assurances by FAA personnel.
The Office of Airport Compliance and Management Analysis undertook a review of the Order and published changes to the Airport Compliance Manual, 5190.6B:
- Change 1 to Order 5190.6B was issued on December 3, 2021, and updated Chapter 1, Scope and Authority; Chapter 9, Unjust Discrimination between Aeronautical Users; Chapter 10, Reasonable Commercial Minimum Standards; Chapter 11, Self-Service; and Chapter 23, Reversions of Airport Property.
- Change 2 to Order 5190.6B was issued on December 9, 2022, and updated Chapter 2, Compliance Program; Chapter 3, Federal Obligations from Property Conveyances; Chapter 4, Federal Grant Obligations and Responsibilities; and Chapter 5, Compliant Resolution.
- Change 3 to Order 5190.6B was issued September 15, 2023, and updated Chapter 16, Resolution of Unlawful Revenue Diversion; Chapter 17, Self-Sustainability; Chapter 18, Airport Rates and Charges; and Chapter 19, Airport Financial Reports.
See Also
Airport Compliance Manual Instructions
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