DD Form 2401 Civil Aircraft Landing Permit Guide

DD Form 2401 Civil Aircraft Landing Permit Guide – If you operate a civil aircraft and need to land at a U.S. military airfield, you must obtain an approved DD Form 2401, Civil Aircraft Landing Permit. This official Department of Defense form is required for most civil aircraft operations at Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps installations across the United States. This guide explains what the form is, who needs it, how to complete it, and where to submit it using the most current official information.

What Is DD Form 2401?

DD Form 2401 is the official U.S. Department of Defense form titled “Civil Aircraft Landing Permit.” The current edition is dated May 2021 (DD FORM 2401, MAY 2021). It is used by civil aircraft owners and operators to request permission to use military airfields.

When completed by the applicant and validated by a military approving authority, the form authorizes the listed civil aircraft to land at specified military installations under the conditions stated on the permit. An approved copy of the permit must be carried aboard the aircraft during each landing.

The form is controlled under OMB No. 0701-0050 and is currently approved through August 31, 2027. It is available free of charge from the official DoD forms website.

Official download link: Download DD Form 2401 (PDF)

Who Needs a DD Form 2401?

Any civil aircraft operator (individual or corporation) who plans to land at a U.S. military airfield must normally have an approved DD Form 2401 before operating, with limited exceptions for true emergencies, weather alternates, or specific Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) alternate use.

Common users include:

  • Private and corporate aircraft operators
  • Charter operators supporting official government business
  • Aircraft participating in military open houses or air shows
  • Contractors performing work on military installations
  • Operators requiring access for official U.S. government purposes

A separate DD Form 2401 is required for each distinct purpose of use.

Required Companion Forms

DD Form 2401 cannot be approved by itself. Applicants must also submit two related forms:

  • DD Form 2400 – Civil Aircraft Certificate of Insurance (must be completed and signed only by the insurance company or its authorized agent)
  • DD Form 2402 – Civil Aircraft Hold Harmless Agreement (completed by the aircraft owner or authorized representative)

These three forms together make up the Civil Aircraft Landing Permit package. The insurance certificate (DD Form 2400) must show valid third-party liability coverage, and the hold-harmless agreement protects the U.S. Government from liability.

How to Complete DD Form 2401?

Section I of the form is completed by the applicant. Key blocks include:

  • Block 1 – User Information: Name of the owner or operator, relationship to any parent organization, and full address with email.
  • Block 2 – Airfields: List the specific military airfields requested. Certain official government users may request broader access such as “All Air Force airfields in the CONUS.”
  • Block 3 – Pilot Qualifications: Indicate whether pilots are instrument rated and current.
  • Block 4 – Purpose of Use: Provide a clear, brief explanation of the intended purpose.
  • Block 5 – Aircraft Data: Manufacturer, model, registration number, crew and passenger capacity, maximum gross takeoff weight, and equipment (two-way radio, strobe lights, transponder, IFR capability).
  • Block 6 – Certification: Signature of the individual or authorized company representative, typed name, title, telephone number, and date.

Section II is completed only by the military approving authority and includes the approved period of use, frequency, identification number, and official signature.

Submission Deadlines and Procedures

Submit the complete package (DD Forms 2400, 2401, and 2402) at least 30 days before the first intended landing. After the permit is approved, you must still contact the installation commander or designated representative at least 24 hours before each landing (except for weather alternate or emergency use) for final clearance instructions. Include the user name and permit identification number in the flight plan remarks section.

The permit is not transferable and is limited to the listed aircraft, period, purpose, and conditions. Commanders may restrict operations for military requirements or national security reasons. The permit does not automatically authorize fuel, oil, or other government services.

Where to Submit DD Form 2401?

Send the completed forms to the appropriate service component:

  • Army: COMMANDER, USAASA, ATTN: DAMO-AVA, BLDG 1466, 9325 GUNSTON RD, SUITE N319, FT BELVOIR, VA 22060-5582
    Email: [email protected]
  • Air Force: HQ USAF/A3OJ, 1480 Air Force, Rm. 4D755, Pentagon AFB, DC 20330
    Email: [email protected]
  • Navy: COMMANDER, NAVY INSTALLATIONS COMMAND, WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, 716 SICARD ST SE, WASHINGTON, DC 20374
    Email: [email protected]
  • Marine Corps: COMMANDER, MARINE CORPS INSTALLATIONS COMMAND, 3000 MARINE CORPS PENTAGON RM 2D153A, WASHINGTON, DC 20350-3000
    Email: [email protected]

Always verify the most current contact information on the official form or service websites before submitting.

Permit Validity and Renewal

The expiration date of an approved DD Form 2401 is determined by the insurance expiration date shown on DD Form 2400 or by the specific purpose of use (for example, the dates of an air show). When insurance coverage exceeds two years or is listed as “until canceled,” the landing permit is typically limited to two years from the issue date.

When a permit expires, both DD Form 2401 and DD Form 2400 must be resubmitted. Corporations must also resubmit DD Form 2402 every five years.

Important Conditions and Limitations

By signing DD Form 2401, the applicant agrees to several key conditions:

  • Contact the installation commander at least 24 hours prior to each landing (except emergencies or weather alternates).
  • Obtain any required diplomatic or overflight clearances when operating over international borders.
  • Accept that commanders may restrict civil operations for military or security reasons.
  • Understand that the permit does not guarantee government fuel or services.
  • Limit activities of onboard personnel to those directly connected with the permit.
  • Carry an approved copy of the permit aboard the aircraft.

Failure to comply with these conditions or with applicable service regulations (such as AFI 10-1001 for the Air Force or AR 95-2 for the Army) can result in denial of landing rights or cancellation of the permit.

Official Sources and Additional Resources

Always obtain the form and guidance from official U.S. government sources:

Using outdated forms or unofficial copies can delay approval. Always download the current May 2021 edition from the official DoD website.

Conclusion

DD Form 2401 is the essential document for civil aircraft operators who need access to U.S. military airfields. By submitting a complete package of DD Forms 2400, 2401, and 2402 at least 30 days in advance and following the 24-hour prior-notice requirement, operators can obtain the necessary authorization while complying with Department of Defense security and operational requirements. Download the official form today and contact the appropriate service component for guidance specific to your intended airfields and purpose of use.

Download the current DD Form 2401 now: Official DD Form 2401 PDF